Monday, September 08, 2008

Cuprite

Cuprite is one of the rarest of all gemstones, and comes from one known source -- Onganja, Namibia. It usually occurs in association with native copper, azurite, chrysocolla, malachite, tenorite and a variety of iron oxide minerals (Arizona, New Mexico, USA; Mexico, Bolivia, Chile, France, Russia, DR Congo). The metallic appearance + intense deep red garnet-like color + brilliance are collector's delight. Most crystal/facet-quality specimens are either in museums or with private collectors.

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