Chalcocite

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This sharp small cabinet specimen is one of the best composed Bristol chalcocites in this size range I have seen, for the sharp aesthetics and the upright crystals perched on such contrasting matrix. This handsome piece consists a prominent, tightly clustered and slightly fanned series of chalcocite crystals to 2.3 cm. There are numerous other submetallic, gray-blue crystals on the piece varying from complete to incomplete and from 0.6 to 1.5 cm with one on the back doubly terminated. All of them are slightly striated and display a satin luster so typical of these. The finely crystallized, off-white calcite is uncommon and really offsets the dark colored chalcocite crystals nicely. Commercial mining at the Bristol Copper Mine began in 1837 and carried on until 1953. It was an important U.S. copper resource through the Civil War years and beyond, and collectors lament its closing. Most regard the chalcocite crystals from this mine as some of the best-of-species, competing with the English ones. Certainly this is the most famous locale in the U.S. for the species. A rare, modern-style aesthetic example of a classic from the 1800s!