Copper

specimen number:
2242035

location:
Champion Mine, Houghton Co., Michigan, USA

description:
A very choice example for crystallized copper from this prolific locality. The specimen consists of a matrix less cluster of elongated twinned crystals of native copper. In excellent condition, the crystals are very sharply formed. The specimen comes with a previous label noting that at one time this was part of the collection of Stephen Avery.

The Champion Mine, located near Painesdale in Houghton County, Michigan, was one of the most successful operations on the South Range of the Keweenaw copper district. Geologically, the mine exploited the Baltic Lode, an amygdaloid bed within the Portage Lake Volcanics where native copper filled the gas bubbles and fractures of ancient basaltic lava flows. This locality is particularly famous for producing spectacular twinned copper crystals, especially complex spinel twins and flattened "sheet" forms that exhibit remarkable symmetry and sharp faces. Historically, mining and quarrying at the site began in 1899 under the Copper Range Consolidated Company, and it quickly became a massive industrial complex with several deep shafts labeled B, C, D, and E. The mine operated with high efficiency for nearly half a century, surviving the decline of other area mines due to its rich ore grade. Industrial production at the Champion Mine continued until its eventual closure in 1945 as economic conditions changed following World War II.

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