Copper "skull" with Copper - image 1
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Copper "skull" with Copper

Unknown Owner
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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.

Product details

SpeciesCopper
SizeCabinet
Dimensions13.2 x 10.8 x 5.8 cm
Added on04/03/2025

Known provenance

DateCollectorAcquisition price
04/2025Unknown Owner$4,500.00
The ArkenstoneNot disclosed

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Copper
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.
Copper
Regional guide
Copper from Keweenaw Peninsula, Michigan, USA
Keweenaw Peninsula copper - classic native copper from Michigan, famed for wiry arborescent sprays, sharp crystal faces, and historic mines prized by collector…