NATIVE Copper

Unknown Owner

Chino mine in the Santa Rita Mining District, Grant County, New Mexico, USA is one of the most famous copper mines in the US. Indeed, it is the third oldest active open-pit copper mine in the whole world. Geological speaking it is a low-grade porphyry copper deposit, but occasionally rich near surface supergene oxidation deposits are encountered which contain crystallized metallic Native Copper. One such instance was during the late 20th century when remarkable Spinel-twinned Native Copper crystals were found. This fine larger (11.8 cm tall) arborescent display of branching crystallized Native Copper comes from Martin Kershaw's collection and probably dates to that time, if not earlier. It is quite statuesque in its form and nicely has a small piece of matrix included in its base. Full of great character.