Chalcocite

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There are a number of mines in Cornwall that have produced world-class crystals of Chalcocite - copper sulphide. Crystals have been known for centuries, with Philip Rashleigh's collection containing many fine examples collected during the late 1700s. This deceptively rich specimen reputedly comes from Carn Brea, between Camborne and Redruth in Cornwall and features extremely rich complex layers of stacked tiny platy hexagonal crystals. Indeed, much of this very large miniature specimen is Chalcocite, which under the microscope is a joy to behold - like dragons scales. Unfortunately, there are no old labels with this one, but its overall patina suggests that it has been through many historic collections.