Copper

specimen number:
8311143

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

description:
A beautiful branching grouping of twinned native copper crystals without matrix. In great condition all around. Very nice for this classic locality.

The Central Mine in Keweenaw County, Michigan, was one of the major copper mines on the Keweenaw Peninsula and began operations 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 most productive mines 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 found in cavities within the volcanic rock. Operations declined toward the end of the 19th century and the mine closed in 1898, leaving it as an important part of Michigans copper mining history.

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