“The Morenci porphyry copper deposit contains three types of copper ore minerals - oxide, secondary sulfide, and primary sulfide. The main oxide copper minerals are chrysocolla and malachite. The main secondary copper sulfide minerals are chalcocite and pyrite, and the main primary copper sulfide is chalcopyrite. There are many other primary and secondary minerals, including molybdenite, galena and sphalerite and two types of turquoise - hard, flawless blue and spider webbed. (FCX 2009 10-K and other sources)”
Hi Raysha. Great squash! Everything about it is outstanding. The letters scratched into the back look like a trader’s or dealer’s cypher, and probably represent a cost code, and a sell for code.
@mmrogers Thanks for the info about the scratched letters on the SB necklace. I was puzzled as to why anyone would do that. It now makes perfect sense to me.
Best guess, the Xs are zeros. Most trading firms had or have their own cyphers, known to employees. This looks like an old Thunderbird Trading code. I believe Thunderbird Trading’s old cypher code was L1 I2 N3 D4 A5 S6 U7 E8 C9 X0 (Linda Sue CX). If this was one of theirs, the trading company’s cost would have been $230, and the sell for retail price $930, with wholesale keystone pricing at $465. Linda Sue was Linda Sue Cosper, who owned Thunderbird along with her husband Don Cosper.
And I forgot to say, isn’t it wonderful to have the info about it, and to have met the owner? Having the history about a piece of jewelry is extra special. Also, interesting that you can meet at the police department for the trade.
Thanks everyone. @Islandmomma@Ziacat, I cannot afford it either. I got it to sell so will wear it while I can. I have not a need for a necklace of any kind as I don’t generally wear jewelry except for a single ring. This blossom is irresistible though. I will wear it a lot and let it see the light of day
I don’t sell online mainly locally because I deal with cash and there are lots of traders in my area. I’m excited we all got to see and share this one.
Oh I wish you could keep it! Or I wish I could buy this one myself However I’ve just made my sixth visit to the vet with my cat so that’s where my jewelry money is going now
Did I see Mesa on the police door? I love it out there. My best friend lives on the north side of Phoenix.
Thank you for sharing all this with us; it’s a great story.
Yes we met in Mesa. I’m pretty sure it’s the fancier towns and cities that offer this service freeley. Probably though, most of our small towns wouldn’t mind if we asked.
I’m not sad that I can’t keep necklace. It’s a lot of fun getting to see and touch so much.
It’s just stunning and I’m delighted you were able to get it. The backstory is so fascinating! Even if you don’t keep it in the long term, I hope you get some pleasure by wearing it for a while first.
Do NOT polish the turquoise! Or the silver! You can actually ruin the turquoise stones if you try anything on it. And most buyers want to see patina on the silverwork. Hands off!
You beat me to it. It just popped up and I came to say exactly what you just said. On a different note, that squash is absolutely gorgeous and the turquoise is very nice.
