The so-called 'Copper Lode' was a pod of supergene copper mineralization (mainly Cuprite and Native Copper) encountered in New Cliffe Hill quarry in Leicestershire during the 1990s. This mineralization occurred at the base of the Triassic red beds where they unconformably overlie Cambrian 'granites'. No other copper deposits have been seen since, and with the quarry working the basement rocks below the unconformity there is little expectation of finding more. This specimen from David Hardman's collection is incredibly large (1.2 kg) compared with most of the specimens seen, as much of it was broken up by micromounters keen on inspecting all of the individual cavities. Predominantly rich purplish Cuprite, Native Copper is spangled throughout with coatings of Malachite and Azurite on the outer edges. Internally, there are many small cavities lined with octahedral Cuprite microcrystals and with small filaments of bright metallic Native Copper. As well as David Hardman's original label (no. 1413), another label notes that it was collected on 17 April 1993. A fine and large example of this unique find for Leicestershire.
