Copper

specimen number:
8311313

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

description:

Superb well crystallized grouping of native copper. In super condition. Ex A. E. Seaman mineral Museum at Michigan Tech University, George Reeder collection. Ex Don and Gloria Olson collection.

The Franklin Mine, located in the town of Hancock within Houghton County, Michigan, was a significant native copper producer on the Keweenaw Peninsula. Geologically, the mine exploited the Pewabic Lode, a mineralized basaltic flow top known as an amygdaloid, where copper filled vesicles and fractures within the volcanic rock. Unlike many neighboring mines that targeted conglomerate beds, the Franklin relied on these volcanic layers which often yielded high-grade "barrel copper" and smaller mass copper. Historically, the Franklin Mining Company was organized in 1857 and began active production shortly thereafter. The mine operated through several periods of expansion and reorganization, including the development of the Franklin Junior site, until major operations finally ceased in the early 1920s. Today, the mine is remembered for its long-term productivity and its role in the early industrial development of the Copper Country.

The A. E. Seaman Mineral Museum, located at Michigan Technological University in Houghton, serves as the official mineral museum of Michigan. It was established in 1902 and named after Arthur Edmund Seaman, a former professor and department head who was instrumental in building the initial collection. The museum houses one of the finest collections of Lake Superior copper district minerals in the world, including spectacular specimens of native copper, silver, and associated secondary minerals. It serves as a vital educational and research facility, preserving the geological heritage of the Upper Peninsula for students, scientists, and the general public.

G. B. Reeder was a dedicated mineral collector and enthusiast whose contributions significantly enriched the regional collections of the Upper Peninsula. Known for his keen interest in the unique mineralogy of the Michigan copper and iron ranges, Reeder assembled a noteworthy collection of specimens during the mid-20th century. By donating his curated pieces to institutions like the Seaman Museum, he helped ensure that rare and aesthetically important minerals from now-closed mines were preserved for future generations. His legacy is reflected in the many high-quality specimens that continue to be studied and displayed, providing a tangible link to the historic mining era of Northern Michigan.

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