Native Silver and Copper
stock #15.1-651
Keweenaw Co.
Michigan,
United States
7.7 x 6.1 x 1.2 CM (cabinet)
price: $290
Early summer 2023
A USA classic Silver-Copper ex Johannson collection. The Silver is in crude crystals and masses most of which protrude from the Copper. The thin sheet of metal is is from .8 to 1.2 CM thick, but weighs a hefty 124 grams, which indicates a high percentage of Silver. There is no mine attribution in the collection notes but this was obtained in the late 1940 era by trade.
Some masses of native copper mixed with gem clear Calcite crystals, most of which are richly included. A complex specimen on an amygdaloidal basalt matrix having many cavities filled with micro crystals. These vugs hold many Epidote crystal clusters most being on contrasting salmon colored crystals of Microcline. Good looking by naked eye but really amazing with magnification, this has a good mixture of species and is classic upper Michigan material. Unfortunately we have no mine attribution but this looks like a perfect match to the famed Quincy Mine.
Ripidolite (Clinochlore) pseudo after Garnet
stock #AX-19-122
Spurr Mine, Imperial Heights, Baraga County
Michigan,
United States
2 x 1.8 x 1.7 CM (thumbnail)
price: $80
Early summer 2021
A complete 360 degree Garnet crystal fully replaced by the Ripidolite (var. of Clinoclore) with a tiny sliver of matrix. A classic from Michigan, these were at one time called Aphrosiderite, and the replacing materials were usually referred to as Chlorite. This thumbnail is quite sharp and has kept some small edge modifications seen on some faces. The source of this one is the Spurr Mine, most others we have seen do not have specific localities.
Pyrolusite - well-formed crystals, vintage
stock #21.1-047-(JM-4339)
Ahmeek Mine, Ahmeek, Keweenaw County
Michigan,
United States
8.3 x 6.7 x 3.7 CM (cabinet)
price: $170
Early summer 2021
A choice old specimen of Pyrolusite from upper Michigan copper country. The old labels and documents all list this as an Akmeek Mine specimen, but Pyrolusite is not noted from that mine, although it does occur nearby. Our sources seem very certain this is actually from the Taylor Mine and a fine example from that locality, with typical matrix. We are listing this using the original label locality rather than change this attribution. Either way a choice piece with well-formed, shiny metallic crystals of what is usually a sooty black and ugly mineral. The crystals are protected in vugs on both sides of the matrix and up to 1.5 CM. From a classic region, these are some of the best of the specie from this zone. Ex Ernie Schlichter and John Marshall collection, also with an unattributed very old label.
Copper with Malachite and Analcime
stock #16.1-450-(CN4044)
Cliff Mine, Pheonix, Keweenaw County
Michigan,
United States
6.9 x 5.8 x 5.9 (cabinet)
price: $1250
Early summer 2021
A cluster of Copper crystals of many sizes, most being complex dodecahedrons. Malachite encrusts the Copper making a great color contrast. Scattered small Analcime crystals, a few of which are transparent, add a further contrast. An older specimen, ex. Charles M. Noll collection, this displays well from any angle. Close exam shows the smallest Copper crystals are super sharp, textbook perfect nestled between the medium and large sized crystals that are a little more crude though still distinct. A fine Michigan Copper that is a bit different and is especially showy in person.
Copper - elongated spinel twin chains
stock #AX7-048-(647)
White Pine Mine, Ontonagan County
Michigan,
United States
9.7 x 3 x 1.9 CM (cabinet)
price: $660
new year 2021
Elegant branching tendrils of Copper in a treelike tangle from the White Pine Mine. Close exam shows these to be delicate chains of elongated Copper crystals. This locale is a classic locality for fine Copper and Silver specimens, this one is especially esthetic, and has a nice patina. Ex Larry White collection, Larry had excellent taste for native metals and esthetic compositions. The White Pine mine was famed for its spectacular branching coppers. Specimens like this piece are very very different from most other locales in the Upper Peninsula, and for that matter anyplace else.
Copper - branching crystals on matrix
stock #20.1-824
Cliff Mine, Pheonix, Keweenaw County
Michigan,
United States
6.2 x 3.6x 2.5 CM (cabinet)
price: $80
new year 2021
A tree of crudely crystallized Copper 3.5 CM tall branches from this blocky matrix. A few small chunks of colorless Calcite are on some branches as well, adding some contrast. The Copper branches are locked in the matrix along a line of small holes and are able to be moved several degrees but are still firmly held. The movement of the copper on the matrix is an oddity and not at all common.
Copper -superb spinel twins
stock #14.1-407
Central Mine, Keweenaw Co.
Michigan,
United States
7.4 x 4.1 x 3.4 CM (cabinet)
price: $1200
Simply fantastic, a very well crystallized Copper with sculptural form much like a tree or cactus. The most prominent twin crystal at the top is 3.1 CM tall and the whole is very esthetic. From the Central mine of Michigan, this classic site produced many excellent spinel twins in its working life. This is well above the quality of "typical" pieces which are now uncommon. A fine USA classic copper that would be desirable from anyplace, a super example of the fames Upper Peninsula copper country. The piece displays great from almost any angle.
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