Copper

specimen number:
8311210

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

description:

A large well-formed crystal in a cluster with several smaller crystals. This is a nice patina and is in great condition. Very good crystal size for the species. An excellent thumbnail.

The Franklin Mine, located in Houghton County, Michigan, was one of the early copper mining operations in the Keweenaw Peninsula, developed during the mid 19th century as part of the region's rapid expansion following the discovery of native copper deposits. The mine worked copper bearing amygdaloidal basalt flows of the Keweenaw lode system, where native copper occurs in vesicles and fractures formed by ancient volcanic activity. Underground shafts and drifts were used to follow the mineralized zones, but like many smaller properties in the district, the Franklin Mine experienced variable success due to the irregular distribution of copper. Operations were relatively short lived compared to larger mines, and activity eventually declined as richer and more productive deposits were developed elsewhere. Today, the Franklin Mine is remembered as part of the early exploration and development of Michigan's Copper Country.

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