Copper Crystals first appeared in the Fourth Edition of the Mini Museum. We're happy to share these larger varieties of this naturally forming metal. Above: Front of specimen card. "... I will not accept here any copper from you that is not of fine quality." ~ Nanni, Babylonian Merchant to Copper Dealer Ea-Nasir, c. 1750 BCE The intricate lattice of native copper crystals reveals a story of deep geological processes lasting hundreds of millions of years. Stronger than gold, but still soft enough to be shaped easily into tools, weapons, and decorative objects, this form of copper also played an important role in the development of human cultures across the globe as they stepped out of the Stone Age and into the Age of Metals. Above: Copper Crystal specimens hanging out on a Permian sedimentary slab formed around the same time (geologically speaking). This specimen is a branch of native copper from deposits located near the city of Zhezqazghan, Kazakhstan. The large copper deposits in this region are sediment-hosted with mineralization occurring roughly 300,000,000 years ago, and involving brines from late Devonian and early Permian marine sediments. The earliest copper mining in this region dates back to the Bronze Age, crossing numerous cultures, with extensive trade routes into the ancient world. Above: Copper Crystal specimen in hand, illustrating the natural patina on these 300,000,000-year-old specimens. As pictured, the specimen is enclosed in a handsome, glass-topped riker box case measuring 4 1/2" x 3 1/2". A small information card is also included that also serves as the certificate of authenticity. Please Note: Specimens vary widely in size and shape. Very roughly, they are 1.5" in diameter (3-4cm). The images here are representative only. In addition, each specimen is wrapped in bubble wrap for the protection of the specimen and the case. This is pure copper and it is quite malleable. Use caution when handling as it is easy to bend and break these delicate forms. Also, keep in mind that they are 300,000,000 years old so there may be a small amount of patina on the surface.
