Chalcocite

specimen number:
2133167

location:
Flambeau Mine, Rusk Co., Wisconsin, USA

description:
A loose well crystallized cluster of chalcocite. This has a nice bluish iridescence. Micro-chipping present but minimal, in good condition all around for this North American classic. There are no points of attachment.

The Flambeau Mine, located in Rusk County, Wisconsin, was a high grade open pit copper mine that operated from 1993 to 1997 and became one of the richest volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits mined in the United States. Developed by Kennecott, the operation extracted copper and small amounts of gold and silver from a compact ore body hosted in Precambrian volcanic rocks. Despite its relatively short mine life, the Flambeau Mine gained attention among collectors for its exceptional mineral specimens, particularly chalcocite. The chalcocite from this locality is notable for its rich metallic luster and well formed crystals, often occurring as thick coatings, masses, or crystalline aggregates replacing earlier copper sulfides. These specimens formed through secondary enrichment processes that upgraded the copper content of the deposit. Due to their quality and the brief window of availability, Flambeau chalcocite specimens are considered highly desirable and represent an important modern mineral locality.

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