Copper

This sculptural, floater specimen of crystallized, and undulating native copper comes from the famous New Cornelia Mine in Arizona. The piece showcases a bright, rich copper patina, highlighting its well-defined natural form.

The New Cornelia Mine, located just south of Ajo, Arizona, is a now-inactive, large-scale open-pit operation that was the only productive mine in the Ajo mining district. Discovered by Spaniards in 1750 and active in modern times from 1917 to 1972, it produced about 350 million tons of copper ore, along with silver and gold. The mine changed hands through several companies over the years and its vast pit reached depths of 750 feet, once serviced by internal railroads.