Antlerite
stock #19.1-514
Chuquicamata Mine, Calama, El Loa Province
Antofagasta Region,
Chile
6.3 x 4.4 x 4 CM (cabinet)
price: $580
Spring 2020
A superb very well crystalized example of this rare Copper Sulphate from Chuquicamata. Good Antlerite in prismatic crystals from this long ago find is not often available. These crystals are in the 3-4mm range which is about as large as any known from this legendary locality. Under magnification a variety of forms are noted and most of the individual crystals are well isolated, gemmy and brightly colored. This locale was at one time the source of many incredible rare copper minerals including rare copper Halides and what were for a century the worlds best Antlerites. A small newer find at Milpillas has since produced larger crystals with a different habit (and a far higher price). Chuqui was developed into one of the worlds largest open pits with efficient mechanized processes that now of course destroy any specimens at great speed. I have visited the site several times in the past decade but never found even a crumb worth obtaining, nothing is coming out. This piece is obviously from long ago.
