A copper scorpion discovered in an unidentified mine in Southern Arizona has left many people puzzled and amazed


A copper scorpion discovered in an unidentified mine in Southern Arizona  has left many people puzzled and amazed. The creature, on display at  the 2019 Tucson Gem and Mineral Show, has turned into copper over time.

According to Tulane University, the phenomenon is called encrustation  pseudomorphism. This occurs when a thin crust of a new mineral forms on  the surface of an existing mineral, and the existing mineral is  subsequently removed, leaving behind the new crust. The thin crust of  the new mineral often retains the original mineral’s form, which is what  happened in the case of the copper scorpion.

So how did the scorpion become copper? One possible explanation is  that it was a very slow process. The scorpion may have become trapped in  the rock and was subjected to fluids rich in copper, which deposited  the metal as they evaporated. This process is similar to how petrified  wood is created.

Another explanation has to do with primitive and inadequate copper  smelting techniques. It’s possible that during the smelting process,  liquid copper leaked and flowed through the rocks, eventually reaching  the scorpion and encasing it in copper.

(I've seen this specimen in person at the Tucson show.  MOST impressive!)

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