Cuprite coated by Malachite

Unknown Owner

The Ogonja mines in Namibia have produced some of the world's largest Cuprite (copper oxide) crystals. This superb large miniature specimen features very large intergrown Cuprite crystals coated by surface alteration to green Malachite (copper carbonate hydroxide). The well developed crystals of Cuprite individually reach an impressive 3.1 cm across and display excellent octahedral and dodecahedral faces, but with some surface rounding. The layer of Malachite is only thin, but deep enough to produce a mottled, banded appearance on the surface of some of the crystals. The rich, deep purple colour of the Cuprite can be seen on the back of the specimen where two of the crystals are exposed internally. Ex Michael Harris collection. Comes with a custom-made acryllic display stand.