Plata
Plata is a mineral with formula Ag, in the Elementos nativos group. This specimen comes from Sin confirmar and joined the Terrium collection in 1994.
Description
Metallic fragment of silver with a slight copper alloy, with a bulbous surface and irregular cavities. The metal shows an intense silvery luster when scratched or rubbed, but has developed a coppery surface patina after remaining next to sulfides in the display case. Without matrix or natural crystalline features, with the unmistakable appearance of solidification from melting.
History of this specimen
It comes from Óscar Herranz's personal collection.
About Plata
A metallic, not mineralogical, piece that bears witness to the close relationship between mining and traditional metallurgy. The coppery tone comes from the slight presence of copper in the alloy and from the surface reaction with sulfurous gases emitted by other nearby minerals.
Technical data
- Catalogue No.
- 0231
- Composition
- Ag
- Name
- Plata
- Group
- Elementos nativos
- Category
- Cupidium
- Associations
- Cobre
- Mine
- Sin confirmar
- Size (cm)
- 2.7 x 1.6 x 1
- Weight
- 14.2 g
- Acquired
- 1994
- Etymology
- From the Latin *platta*, “metal sheet”
- Quality
- Buena
- Value trend
- Al alza
Related specimens
- Arfvedsonita —
- Arsénico (Nativo) — Alemania
- Asbesto —
- Calcita —
- Calcita (Ferruginosa) —
- Calcita (Azul) —
- Cianita —
- Cobre — Australia