Description/Interesting Notes:
A fantastic example of cuprite with native copper and silver from Russia!!! This specimen consists of a cluster of sharp,
modified octahedral crystals of cuprite that have been both partially and completely replaced by native copper in
association with numerous small areas of native silver!!! What makes this specimen so
impressive is that it almost seems to illustrate the process of pseudomorphization -
there are some crystals of cuprite that are only partially altered to native copper paired
with crystals that have been completely replaced by native copper!!! The pictures simply don't capture just
how sharp and fine the pseudomorphic crystals are!!! The native
copper pseudomorphs retain the original form of the cuprite crystals in a very sharp and impressive manner!!!
In addition, upon close inspection, the native copper crystals that make up the pseudomorphs are quite sharp in and of
themselves!!! What
makes this specimen even more impressive is that there are numerous areas of native silver present, scattered throughout the
nooks and crannies, as well!!!
The native silver is seen as almost spongiform material, which is likely pseudomorphic after
one of the rare silver-iodide species found at this locale!!! This specimen is complete and in fantastic
condition all around!!! Simply gorgeous in person!!!
The pics hardly do it justice!!! Must be seen in person to be fully appreciated!!!
Good luck and be sure to check out my other exciting mineral auctions on ebay!!! STAY TUNED!!! MORE AUCTIONS WILL BE ADDED MONDAY NIGHT FOR A SPECIAL 3-DAY AUCTION, ENDING THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 27th!!!
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