Name: Copper in Copper cast
Brand: The Arkenstone
Price: 3500 USD
Availability: InStock

Updated 2d ago

Copper in Copper cast

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.

$3,500.00