Copper in Copper cast
Unknown Owner
Help improve this recordNo owner is registered for this specimen yet. If it's yours or you know more about it, you can add the owner, provenance, publications and other details.
Finely crystallized copper specimens from the Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan are treasured when they become available, especially unusual ones such as this from Jack Halpern's collection. A large piece of rather thick, undulating copper like "thick foil" forms the substrate for a single, large, 1.8 cm complex copper crystal (possibly a complex dodecahedron?). The castlike form of the copper underneath the crystal is often said to have been formed as a cast after now-vanished laumontite or calcite (I am not sure there is any definitive answer, and it happened tens of millions of years ago in any case). We normally see one or the other style, but not TOGETHER one atop the other! Both styles of crystallization here display a beautiful patina that characterize the best of these old pieces. It is difficult to decipher the forms on the big copper crystal, however, it stands out nicely on the rolling and yet textured copper "foil" surface. This unique piece is a survivor of the glory days of copper mining in Michigan copper country and represents an unusual style of combined crystallization that results in a dramatic display piece. We do not know which mine it came from, but perhaps others will recognize the unique style. In person, it is truly dramatic. Featured in the book Addicted to Beauty: The Legacy of Jack Halpern (Mineralogical Record, March 2025) on page 141, fig. 141.
Product details
SpeciesCopper
SizeCabinet
Dimensions11.8 x 5.8 x 2.0 cm
Added on12/07/2024
LocalityUSA, Michigan, Houghton County
Known provenance
| Date | Collector | Acquisition price |
|---|---|---|
| 07/2026 | Unknown Owner | $3,500.00 |
| — | The Arkenstone | Not disclosed |
Learn more
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
Comments