Copper

specimen number:
2102303

location:
Bingham Mine, Salt Lake Co., Utah, USA

description:
A choice crystallized cluster of native copper for this locality. Complete all around and in great condition with no matrix or points of attachment.

The Bingham Canyon Mine, located in the Oquirrh Mountains of Salt Lake County, Utah, is one of the largest man-made excavations and most productive copper mines in the world. Geologically, the deposit is a massive porphyry copper system formed during the Eocene epoch, where mineral-rich hydrothermal fluids were injected into a complex sequence of sedimentary rocks and igneous intrusions, creating a vast disseminated ore body. While the mine is primarily known for its industrial-scale output, it has occasionally produced notable specimens of native crystallized copper, which typically occur as delicate arborescent (tree-like) forms, skeletal crystal clusters, or branching wires within the oxidized upper zones of the deposit. Historically, the area was first staked for silver claims in 1863, but the true potential of the low-grade copper ore was not realized until the early 20th century. Under the direction of Daniel Jackling, the Utah Copper Company pioneered large-scale open-pit quarrying and steam-shovel mining here starting in 1906. Operations have continued nearly non-stop for over a century under various owners, including Kennecott Copper and currently Rio Tinto. As of 2026, the mine remains a colossal active operation, having produced more copper than any other single mine in history while serving as a landmark of American industrial engineering.

Questions about this specimen?
Send an email or call us: 314-341-1811.