Copper is one of the most important metals for humankind and has been so since the bronze age. Indeed bronze being an alloy of copper and tin. One of the main reasons for its early use is the fact that it is easily found in nature in its native, or unreacted, form. It is also relatively soft, so can be easily shaped into tools and decorations.

Description: This is a large nugget consisting of a mass of dendritic copper crystals. The upper surface shows particularly good crystal form. In places are small deposits of a pale blue mineral, which is the oxide, Cuprite. Overall, this is one of the finest specimens from this increasingly rare location.

Location: Bwana, Mkubwa Pit, Nidola, Zambia.