Copper

specimen number:
1791245

location:
Central Mine, Keweenaw Co., Michigan, USA

description:
Crystallized native copper coming nicely off matrix. In good condition all around.

The Central Mine in Keweenaw County, Michigan, was one of the major copper mining operations on the Keweenaw Peninsula and began production in 1854 after the discovery of rich native copper in amygdaloidal basalt of the Portage Lake Lava Series. Operated by the Central Mining Company, it became one of the leading producers in the region during the 1860s and 1870s, with extensive underground workings developed along the copper bearing lode. The mine produced native copper along with associated minerals such as calcite, quartz, and epidote. Production declined toward the end of the 19th century, and the mine closed in 1898, remaining an important part of Michigans copper mining history.

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