Copper in raw form?

[Planoite]

Been looking and drooling here at the site for a few weeks and decided to post something I found 7 or 8 years ago. This is one of 2 pieces I found within about 100 feet of each other.

They look to be copper and are heavy enough. They don't look like any nuggets I've found on the net though. The spots in the pics that look gold in color are in fact gold in color. Any ideas?

These were found with a metal detector in New Mexico on private property.

Bubba

 

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[High Plains Digger]

Looks like a couple of bits of basalt in the 'nugget'. Typical of UP Mich. Seems to be a strange form of nugget to me, but I can't claim to have seen every form. Was there civilization close? Or a smelter? And is this in an area of metal mining? Gotta figure out if there is a chance it is man made first. The small rounded bits are perplexing.

 

[Planoite]

Pics of the other piece I took with phone a few minutes ago. First pic is the same as above, but with a measuring tape to show size.

The nodule looking things are interesting! I look at the first I posted and con go either man made or natural, but the 2nd piece (the one that looks almost like a coral rock) screams man made...

The area I found these was in SW NM about 7 miles north of Mexico and 14 miles east of AZ. There is an OLD homestead on the place, but according to the owner of the property, no one has lived there in 70-80 years.

Lots of copper mining and such in NM, not sure about the local area. I'd lean towards no since the area I hunt in is all ravines and hills.

Bubba

 

[High Plains Digger]

There are people who make art by splashing, dropping and otherwise arranging molten copper. Not saying this is that, but just for general info. My wife has a bowl made by a guy, who also made splatters. If you found both pieces within the same immediate area (you define immediate area. In NM it could be 40 sq miles!) then I suppose the origin would be the same for both, whatever the origin is. Almost sounds like the copper was brought in, as compared to being in it's native location.

 

[Planoite]

There are people who make art by splashing, dropping and otherwise arranging molten copper. Not saying this is that, but just for general info. My wife has a bowl may by a guy, who also made splatters. If you found both pieces within the same immediate area (you define immediate area. In NM it could be 40 sq miles!) then I suppose the origin would be the same for both, whatever the origin is. Almost sounds like the copper was brought in, as compared to being in it's native location.

The 2 were within 100 feet of each other, I remember that since after digging the 2nd I walked over to the first I had found to compare. At the time they looked like a wad of gunk. It wasn't until I washed them off that I became interested in them. Out of all the finds I have made at that location these are the only copper I have found other than pennies. LOTS of scrap metal, but no more copper. Going back in a week and will of course detect between hunts.

 

[Kimmie]

I have no idea what they are, but I would LOVE to put them in my fish aquarium! I'm afraid the copper might really mess with the water balance though.

VERY cool looking!

 

[High Plains Digger]

Here's my wife's molten copper bowl. You tell me if the texture is starting to look the same, or not. I am still perplexed with the complexities of your find.

 

[tomjiggy]

When you dug them, did the dirt you found them in look really black, such as maybe from a fire? I'm thinking of maybe a fire and the copper pooling naturally. Just an idea...

 

[High Plains Digger]

Exactly what I was thinking, tomjiggy. That is why I put the molten bowl up there, and it seems to be similar to some of the excellent close ups he has.

 

[Planoite]

Well, I went back and found no more of this stuff and really couldn't see anything that would have caused it to be in the form it is in. Found lots of nails and a couple of coins though!

However, after looking at the bowl High Plains Digger posted, I agree, it's not in its natural state. Sure is making for some great conversation in the office though. I have them sitting on the table between the 2 visitor chairs and everyone has to check them out.

Thanks for the assistance.

 

[aa battery]

maybe crystalline copper

 

[homefires]

Not Natural. Natural Copper does not have bubbles in it.

 

[brendan1414]

idk what that is but i want one. interested in selling, PM me!

 

[AGBlex]

very cool piece hope it gets solved soon

 

[maipenrai]

Dont put copper in any aquarium, it will Kill the fish!

 

[BornOnFire]

Could it be and old tool that has been corroded into it's current shape by the elements? It looks like it could have been a spear head or blade of some sort in its original state. It's definitely not in a natural state. The smelting process was not advanced due to the large number of visible impurities. I would call one of the area universities or go online and try to email a pic to a professor for an educated opinion.

Here's a link to some archaeology professors at University of Arizona who specialize in the southwest.

http://datamonster.sbs.arizona.edu/anthropology/people/display_fac.php?type=voting

Best of luck. You have a real interesting relic that may be important.

 

[Monty]

Smelter slag? Monty