Iron City Mine (Empire Mine), Mosquito District, Copper Harbor, Keweenaw Co., Michigan, USA

11.2 x 5.8 x 2 cm
4.4 x 2.3 x 0.8 in

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This specimen is from a long abandoned mine for which there is little known history. It is a 2 mile hike to get to the old dumps (or poor rock piles as they are called locally). Generally, what is found there and what the mine is noted for is Datolite nodules. Locally, the mine is known as the Empire Mine. This specimen was recovered several years ago by a local field collector. It has a distinctive red patina not often seen in Michigan Copper and appears to be a thin layer of oxidation (Cuprite most likely). In a few minor small places, this patina is worn off and bright Copper shows. The crystals are well formed in a variety of habits with many diamond shaped holes which appear to be casts after now absent crystals (likely Calcite).