Native Copper. Cliff Mine, Phoenix, Keweenaw Co., Michigan, USA. 12.6 x 11.3 x 6.1 cm (4.95 x 4.43 x 2.41 in). ...

Description

Native Copper
Cliff Mine, Phoenix, Keweenaw Co., Michigan, USA
12.6 x 11.3 x 6.1 cm (4.95 x 4.43 x 2.41 in)

Even in the context of Michigan Coppers, this locality is about as historic as it gets! The Cliff Mine was the first successful Copper mining source in the Keweenaw Peninsula, with operations beginning in 1845, all the way up until 1883 when the mine functionally closed as a specimen-bearing locality. Consisting mostly of modified habits, the crystals in this specimen are both sizable and spectacularly formed. The Copper is arranged in a nest-like shape that cradles and displays a large, central crystal that reaches 2.3 centimeters across. A slight iridescence coats many of the Coppers that are tucked away behind the focal crystal. Small pockets of white Microcline are present within the crevices throughout the specimen, creating a seemingly subtle, but rather powerful contrast in color.

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