WHAT: A museum-size specimen of shattuckite, dug by hand from a copper deposit in what was formerly the Congo, brought $13,125 this month in a Nature and Science auction at Heritage Auctions. Unusually thick, the specimen measures about 14 inches by 10 inches by 7 inches.
In the same sale, a box carved of shattuckite by artist Konstantin Libman sold for $7,500. The box measures 8.46 inches by 5.39 inches by 2.36 inches.
MORE: Shattuckite is a rare byproduct of copper with shades of deep sea blue and lighter hues of sky blue, plus smoky quartz areas at the top and turquoise colored streaks. In addition, copper is seen through all surfaces.
SMART COLLECTORS KNOW: Rock hounds often collect by category. Some prefer geologic specimens, meteorites or fossils. Others go for raw or polished gemstones.
HOT TIP: Shattuckite has come from these copper deposits for years. Specimens dug in 2013 to 2014 proved exceptionally thick and pure, and only three large examples (including this one) came out intact. Ominously, mine yield is now poor.
BOTTOM LINE: The box is a lapidary product, which may account for the fact that the unusual specimen sold so high. Mineral collectors usually prefer specimens true to nature. Shattuckite is a secondary mineral of other secondary minerals, making the transformation into an artisan product even more removed from nature.
