Details
ColorsGrey
Origin
Conglomerate Lodes, Houghton County, Keweenaw Peninsula, Michigan, USA
SizeLarge
Dimensions13.2 x 10.8 x 5.8 cm
Species
Cu
Description
An old specimen Jack acquired in the 1970s from his trusted dealer Walt Lidstrom; and this was likely already quite old. These generally date to the early 1900s and late 1800s, although some were found since. This is a superb and shapely large copper "skull" from the historic mines of the Keweenaw Peninsula. This stunning material is unique to Copper Country and this piece has a particularly dramatic rounded shape. It has dramatic deep walls with a traditional copper patina. The rugged outer surface of the skull on the front, with ingrown copper crystals forming a spiky knob within, is a contrast to this outstanding bowl-like specimen when you hold it up and turn it around. How did these form, is the question! This was a large rock cobble, that the molten copper flowed around when this deposit was formed hundreds of millions of years ago; and then the rock inside was subsequently dissolved away. This left the rounded cast, which is an unusual Michigan copper district oddity! Having a spherical spike-ball of crystals within, however, that is HIGHLY unusual and something I cannot recall seeing in this robust quality before. HEAVY at 1035 grams - about a kilo, or 2.25 pounds.
Known provenanceKnowing where your specimen comes from and who owned it adds to its story and value. Good provenance helps prove it's authentic and preserves important details about its discovery.
