Ajoite and Copper included in Quartz
Unknown Owner
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This piece from the Messina mine in South Africa constitutes an "internal combination specimen." It's a single quartz crystal with both ajoite and native copper found included within the piece and there's an internal phantom as well. Casual examination reveals distinct internal zoning with two-thirds of the crystal dominated by diffuse, blue ajoite inclusions with minor amounts of orangey copper near the base. In the upper third of the piece, burnished chestnut colored native copper prevails with its minute, dendritic foils evident beneath the quartz surface. These two contrasting zones comprised of ajoite and copper define the internal phantom on which the latest generation of ever so slightly milky-transparent quartz was formed. This final generation of quartz varies in thickness from a millimeter along the sides and thickens to about 4.0 mm at the termination. There is some chatter along the edges of the crystal and at the termination and it's a little rough on one area near the base where it attached to other quartz crystals. A colorful miniature and interesting as well! Better in person, as the inclusions are subtle to the camera, but more obvious to the human eye.
Product details
SizeMiniature
Dimensions4.4 x 1.1 x 0.9 cm
Added on10/23/2024
LocalitySouth Africa, Limpopo, Messina Mine
Known provenance
| Date | Collector | Acquisition price |
|---|---|---|
| 08/2024 | Unknown Owner | Not disclosed |
| — | The Arkenstone | Not disclosed |
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Mineral guide
Learn about Copper
native copper with spinel-twinned crystals and arborescences; notable from Lake Superior, Itauz, Dongchuan, Corocoro, prized for color and localities.Regional guide
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