Cuprite on NATIVE Copper

Unknown Owner

Sometimes quality is much more important than size, and this specimen is a fine example of this. During the 18th and 19th centuries the Cornish mines produced a wealth of wonderful mineral specimens. Many mines produced Cuprite and Native Copper, but very few produced fine specimens, and some did, but in very small quantities. Poldory mine, in Gwennap parish, was one such mine, overshadowed, as many were, by the treasures found at Wheal Gorland. This ancient mine, located a little to the east of Carharrack, was incorporated into larger mines from about 1780. This stunning miniature specimen from Poldory mine is a delight. It comprises a fan-like, or dendritic aggregate, of Native Copper upon which the tips at one end are encrusted in small, glossy, deep purple Cuprite crystals. There are no old labels with this one, but it is certainly a classic.