Pyrolusite

specimen number:
2062185

location:
Taylor Mine, Baraga Co., Michigan, USA

description:
A superb thumbnail for this classic locality for the species. Spiky metallic lustrous crystals of pyrolusite coming off matrix. This is in good condition. Collected in October, 1997.

The Taylor Mine, located near Alberta in Baraga County, Michigan, was a notable iron and manganese prospect situated within the western end of the Marquette Iron Range. Geologically, the deposit was hosted in the Michigamme Formation of the Menominee Group, where secondary enrichment processes concentrated minerals within oxidized soft-ore bodies and brecciated zones. The locality is particularly significant for mineral collectors due to the presence of high-quality pyrolusite, a manganese dioxide mineral that occurs there as lustrous, dark gray to black metallic crystals and radiating fibrous masses. Historically, the Taylor Mine was discovered in 1880 and saw its primary period of production between 1880 and 1883, with sporadic exploration and minor shipments occurring through the early 20th century. Though its total iron ore output was relatively modest compared to the giants of the Marquette Range, the mine remains a classic Michigan locality for crystallized manganese species, specifically for its well-formed pyrolusite and associated manganite.

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