Cuprite on NATIVE Copper

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Although labelled as 'Bisbee' this Cuprite specimen is very similar to others that we have seen from the Copper Queen mine, the first great copper mine at Bisbee with later shafts and other workings added to it. For a vast copper mine, crystallized Cuprite is actually rarely seen, and usually only in specimens from older collections as they get recycled. Sadly, these older pieces are often damaged, but due to their rarity they are still much sought after as historic mineralogical artefacts, revealing what the richest oxide ore once looked like. This miniature specimen reveals the classic fractured massive white Quartz veinstone cut through and cemented by intergrown metallic Native Copper and glossy deep purple to reddish Cuprite. The Cuprite does exhibit crystals, but many are unfortunately abraded through the passage of time. This is nevertheless, an old-time classic from this most famous of Arizonan copper mines.