Native Silver. Chañarcillo, Copiapó Province, Atacama, Chile. ... (Total: 2 Items)

Description

Native Silver
Chañarcillo, Copiapó Province, Atacama, Chile

"A cluster of intergrown fairly thick silver wires abut 3 inches long with some alteration to acanthite on their surface."
- Rock H. Currier

Chañarcillo was a Silver mining camp that existed just as long as it took to mine all of the Silver that could be easily found there. Located in the Atacama Desert: Garden Spot of Chile, Chañarcillo was famous for its ability to mummify anything containing water, and, the incredible Silver and Proustite specimens that escaped the dark confines of its tunnels and into the collections of museums and wealthy connoisseurs. If it wasn't for the richness of the ores, this place would never have gotten off the ground - not enough water to sustain life much less long-term mining operations. While it was going, the camp regularly produced world-class specimens such as this serpentine wonder. Who knows what still might be lurking beneath this abandoned and desiccated place? There is a custom acrylic stand.
Overall Measurements: 2.6 x 3.0 x 1.5 inches (6.5 x 7.5 x 3.7 cm)
Offered at no reserve

Provenance: RHC #3821, acquired 1990

[Scale: 1 inch, with mark at 1 cm]



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