Copper #1 Thumbnail Specimen (Chino Mine, New Mexico, USA)
*This is a very small miniature, known as a thumbnail specimen. Please examine scale photo and consider dimensions carefully.* Thumbnail specimens are mounted in small display boxes known as perky boxes, and contain locality information. They are designed so that they are ready for display, or may be unmounted for any use including jewelry supply. An ideal and efficient tiny treasure, for any collection!
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Mineral Name: Copper
Locality: Chino Mine, Silver City, New Mexico.
Dimensions: 0.73" x 0.58" (19mm x 15mm)
Characteristics of this specimen:
This is a beautiful branching specimen of native copper, from a venerable American locality. This particular specimen features a unique dendritic branching shape, giving it a delicate and organic appearance.
Chino Mine, also known as Santa Rita Mine, is the third oldest active open pit copper mining operation, after the Bingham Canyon Mine and Chuquicamata. It is an area in which native Apache Indians, Spaniards, Mexicans, and Americans have all obtained specimens over the centuries. Open pit mining began in 1907-1910, and continues to this day.
FORMATION: Copper is one of the few elements to occur as a native mineral. It forms in the isometric system, so it may rarely form cubic and octahedral crystals. It is quite dense and also quite soft--2.5-3 on Moh's hardness scale. The Keweenaw copper deposits in Upper Peninsula Michigan are the largest found anywhere in the world.
Care Notes: Like all metallic specimens, this cluster should be kept out of the elements and fragments should never be inhaled or ingested.
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Healing Keywords: Copper is widely renowned for its ability to conduct electricity and heat, and healers believe that this conductivity extends to the spirit as well. It is believed to conduct energy from one person to another, and is often used in crystal grids. Copper is also believed to help ease the symptoms of arthritis and cramps, and ease tension in the nerves and muscles.
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