Detailed information
Species
Native Silver, Native Copper
Dimensions
50 x 85 x 18
mm
Weight
175 g
Locality
Houghton County Michigan USA
Condition
No recorded repairs
Native Copper and Native Silver are both rare in nature due to the unusual geological conditions required for them to form and then to remain unoxidized, but finding both metals together is much rarer indeed. The circumstances required for this combination, where the pure metals are joined and yet have clearly defined separation, rather than a slow transition through an alloy of both, is well-known from the famous copper mining district in Michigan. This dense, solid, hackly mass of Native Copper and Native Silver is from Houghton County in Michigan, USA and has a tarnish indicative of come considerable age. Fragments of white Quartz are incorporated within the metal, with Native Copper dominating with smaller rounded 'blebs' of Native Silver scattered throughout. Ex David Hardman Collection.