Chalcocite, Calcite
| Locality | Bristol Copper Mine, Bristol, Hartford Co., Connecticut, USA |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 2.6 X 4.7 X 2.0 cm |
| Source Region |
Chalcocite (dark gray twins and aligned rectilinear) with Calcite
Ex – Martin Zinn Collection, Ex- Spann Collection
The Bristol Copper Mine in Hartford Co., Connecticut is one of the world’s premier Chalcocite localities – and an all-time United States classic. Workings at the mine began in 1837, where it produced high-grade copper ore until 1895 when production ceased. The mine remained dormant for decades, but the copper shortages of WWII inspired the Connecticut Mining and Milling Company to re-open the property to mining operations in 1947. Post-war copper prices falling and a largely unsuccessful venture led to the ultimate closure of the mine in 1953.
Most of the fine chalcocite specimens were recovered in the late 1840s under the leadership of mine manager, Charles Wheatley (think Wheatley Mine pyromorphites…). These chalcocite specimens were considered world-class, and the ones that survived made their way into prominent collections, often being mistaken for UK chalcocites. While mine owners in the 1850s simply wanted to send these specimens to the mill, many fought hard to preserve and collect these fine examples.
Now an all-time classic and rarity on the market, these nearly 200 year old specimens are amongst the most desirable copper minerals. This miniature is very beautiful – the looks, history, and the fact that it was in 2 very notable collections makes this piece, in my opinion, one of the coolest Spann specimens we have.
Includes custom base, 2 old Collector’s Edge labels, and Spann label. Spann collection number 11906.
Photo by Invenio Fine Minerals
$9,250.00
In stock
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Stabilized
The matrix rock or crystal-to-crystal contacts of some specimens are so friable/fragile that the mineral specimen may require reinforcement with an adhesive substance. Stabilization will help to preserve delicate mineral specimens during shipping and during handling and display in your collection. When stabilization is performed on a specimen we make every effort to ensure that the stabilizing adhesive is “invisible” on the finished specimen. Stabilization is disclosed in the description of the individual specimens on our website, on our invoice, and on the specimen label.
Repaired
The repair of a mineral specimen can be defined as the simple gluing of broken pieces back together in their original growth positions. No attempt is made to change the orientation of the reassembled pieces in order to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the specimen. Repairs are typically made using long-lasting, high-purity adhesives. When repairs are made, we make every effort to ensure that the areas being repaired are as “invisible” as possible on the finished specimen. Repairs are disclosed in the description of the individual specimens on our website, on our invoice, and on the specimen label.
Restored
A restored specimen is one of which a high-purity adhesive or other substance has been used to replace a missing crystal fragment during the repair process. Generally, replacement of small fragments lost from an otherwise complete crystal with an adhesive or other substance will be viewed as restoration provided that the area to be restored is constrained by the geometry of the original crystal. When restoration work is performed, we make every effort to ensure that the areas being restored are as “invisible” as possible on the finished specimen. This may include the “carving” of striations into the replaced crystal section that align with the striations observed on the adjoining natural crystal faces. Restoration is disclosed in the description of the individual specimens on our website, on our invoice, and on the specimen label.