Michigan
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 MICHIGAN

MAN-CAR READY TO GO ON-SHIFT

TAMARACK MINE, CALUMET AND HECLA MINING COMPANY

LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, CALUMET, MICHIGAN C. 1900

 

WORKING IN THE OSCEOLA LODE-. c. 1900

LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, MICHIGAN

Note: three muckers shoveling 'dirt' into the chute and the shift boss looking on and the hand-tramming which was definitely tough work. The Osceola had a shallower dip than some of the other amygdaloids and required a lot more effort to get the ore to the shaft.

 

New Minerals On-Line March 4th

 

NSMW9368      DATOLITE     PRICE: $45.

DELAWARE MINE, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN

Reddish gray cut and polished datolite. The color is concentrated more on one side than the other creating a nice visual pattern. No faults. 1.5 x 2.5 x 2.7 cm.

 

New Minerals On-Line December 9th

 

NSMW9269     ANALCITE AND COPPER IN BASALT   PRICE: $15

KEARSARGE LODE, SOUTH KEARSARGE MINE #1, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, HOUGHTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN

(Small/Medium Cabinet)

Numerous trapezohedral analcite crystals in vuggy altered basalt with associated black tenorite coated copper. I collected this specimen c. 1979 from a highly altered and vuggy section of the lode that was just loaded with analcites. Rare location for the species in the district. Ross C. Lillie Collection. In great condition. 4 x 8 x 8.5 cm.

 

NSMW9268    QUARTZ    PRICE: $20.

KEARSARGE LODE, LASALLE MINE, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, HOUGHTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN

(Small Cabinet)

Basalt matrix with an exposed irregular vug of drusy quartz. The quartz is encrusting and cementing basalt breccia. Nice to have the accurate locality information as LaSalle specimens are really not around that much. Trimmed of excess matrix with trim saw. Paul LaBonte Collection. 4 x 5.5 x 8 cm.

 

NSMW9175      DATOLITE     PRICE: $40.

LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, ONTONOGAN COUNTY, MICHIGAN

Cut and polished datolite with nice reddish/gray center and creamy gray rim. Abundant reddish speckles throughout. 0.7 x 2.5 x 3 cm.

 

NSMW9172      DATOLITE     PRICE: $25.

DELAWARE MINE, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN

Cut and polished datolite with fine reddish/gray center and creamy gray rim. 0.8 x 2.7 x 3.5 cm.

 

NSMW9171      DATOLITE     PRICE: $65.

EVERGREEN LODE, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, ONTONOGAN COUNTY, MICHIGAN

Cut and polished datolite with rich reddish center and wide creamy white rim with hundreds of red speckles. Bordered by light gray matrix. Choice half. 1.3 x 2.7 x 3.2 cm.

 

NSMW9170      DATOLITE     PRICE: $25.

DELAWARE MINE, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN

Cut and polished datolite with fine reddish/gray center and creamy gray rim. 1 x 3 x 3 cm.

 

NSMW9169      DATOLITE     PRICE: $85.

LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, ONTONOGAN COUNTY, MICHIGAN

Cut and polished datolite with several nodules that coalesce to form one large nodule. The color is a light gray with reddish centers that are separated by a greenish/gray veining. Very nice half. 2.2 x 3.7 x 4.9 cm.

 

NSMW9168      DATOLITE     PRICE: $10.

LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, ONTONOGAN COUNTY, MICHIGAN

Cut and polished datolite with light reddish/gray center and creamy white rim and numerous red speckles. 0.7 x 1.7 x 2.1 cm.

 

NSMW9167      DATOLITE     PRICE: $15.

LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, MICHIGAN

Cut and polished datolite with brown rim enclosing light gray center. 0.9 x 3 x 3.7 cm.

 

NSMW9166      DATOLITE     PRICE: $45.

LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, ONTONOGAN COUNTY, MICHIGAN

Cut and polished datolite with light brown/gray center surrounded by a light white/gray border. There are also some late-stage reddish inclusions that undulate across the surface. Broken on the reverse but no cracks. 1.5 x 3.2 x 4 cm.

 

NSMW9164      DATOLITE     PRICE: $25.

LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, ONTONOGAN COUNTY, MICHIGAN

Cut and polished light reddish/brown datolite with light gray rim. Nice and solid half. 1 x 2.5 x 3 cm.

 

NSMW9163      DATOLITE     PRICE: $120.

EVERGREEN LODE, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, ONTONOGAN COUNTY, MICHIGAN

Cut and polished translucent datolite with fine pinkish/red center surrounded by pretty cloudy white rims. A very fine half. 1 x 4 x 4.2 cm.

 

NSMW9161      DATOLITE     PRICE: $15.

LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, MICHIGAN

Cut and polished datolite with light creamy brown color and slight translucency. 0.6 x 2.2 x 2.6 cm.

 

NSMW9159      DATOLITE     PRICE: $50.

LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, ONTONOGAN COUNTY, MICHIGAN

Cut and polished datolite with subtle grays and reddish/grays infused through a light gray rim. 2 x 3.5 x 3.5 cm.

 

NSMW9156      DATOLITE     PRICE: $25.

DELAWARE MINE, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN

Cut and polished datolite with light reddish/gray center. 1.1 x 3 x 4 cm.

 

NSMW9151      DATOLITE     PRICE: $22.

LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, ONTONOGAN COUNTY, MICHIGAN

Cut and polished datolite with nice reddish mottling in the center bordered by cream white. Probably Evergreen Lode. 1 x 2.2 x 2.7 cm.

 

NSMW9085        SILVER    PRICE: $4500.

KEARSARGE LODE, WOLVERINE MINE MINE, HOUGHTON COUNTY, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, MICHIGAN

Group of sharp silver crystals diverging from silver matrix with some associated matrix. The silver crystals have a fine venerable pewter patina and exhibit very sharp elongated tetrahexahedrons. Silver of this quality and aesthetics are truly few and far between. No faults. Mined c. late 19th century to early 1900s. 2.7 x 3.2 x 5 cm.

 

 

NSMW8296        COPPER     PRICE: $2500. 

INDIANA MINE, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, ONTONOGAN COUNTY, MICHIGAN

Rich, tenorite patina on copper with associated amygdaloid matrix. Upon close examination the crystals are tetrahexahedrons with some twinning and parallel growth and some dodecahedron faces as well. The specimen has great sculptural form and appeal. Excellent locality rarely documented with such a high quality copper. No faults. 3 x 6 x 8.5 cm. Paul LaBonte Collection.

 

NSMW8138       COPPER     PRICE: $3000. 

KEARSARGE LODE, CENTENNIAL MINE, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, HOUGHTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN

Rich coppery red cuprite patina on native copper with no point of attachment. The specimen came from a miner who worked in the Centennial Mine c. 1950s-1960s and who kept his own local collection. The piece was likely collected from a mud seam that traversed the lode as judged from the overall form of the specimen and vein-like contacts on a couple of sides. Great color and a fine vug of sharp crystals. No faults. Medium/large cabinet 5 x 8 x 20 cm. Specimen comes with a custom made acrylic Sunnywood base. Paul LaBonte Collection.

 

NSMW8137       COPPER     PRICE: $4800. 

KEARSARGE LODE, OJIBWAY MINE, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN

Medium chocolate brown group of copper crystals with no point of attachment. The forms are combinations of cube, tetrahexahedron and twinning on the spinel law. This is a very fine copper from the Ojibway Mine and really is more reminiscent of one of the fissure mines to the north like the Cliff, Phoenix or Central. Medium cabinet and one of Mr. LaBonte's best coppers in this size range. No faults. 5 x 6.5 x 11 cm.  Paul LaBonte Collection.

 

NSMW8127       COPPER     PRICE: $450. 

EMPIRE MINE, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN

Group of hoppered and spinel twinned copper crystals with no point of attachment. Excellent aesthetic miniature from a rare locality in the Copper Country. This mine would have produced this specimen approximately 1860s-1870s. 1.5 x 2 x 3 cm. Paul LaBonte Collection.

 

NSMW8107       COPPER      PRICE: $3200. 

PHOENIX MINE, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN

Tenorite and cuprite coated copper crystals in a fine branching form and no point of attachment. The Phoenix Mine is famous for this color combination and along with the Central Mine probably produced the finest examples. Very fine and aesthetic group with no faults. Specimen would have been mined c. 1860s-1880s. No faults and a small cabinet 2 x 4 x 7 cm. Paul LaBonte Collection.

 

NSMW8105  CALCITE WITH COPPER INCLUSIONS PRICE: $2500.

PEWABIC LODE, QUINCY MINE, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, HOUGHTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN

The Quincy Mine is the premier locale for copper-in-calcites without question. A number of fantastic specimens were collected in the upper levels of the mine in the late 1800s that were prized by miners, collectors and museums. They are some of the most sought specimens from the Copper Country. This is a fine small/medium cabinet specimen with lustrous calcites richly charged with native copper. It is virtually perfect except for one cleaved crystal in the center of the piece: see bottom photo at center left. However, it has great display character and visual appeal and is overall a commanding piece. Mined c. 1870s-1890s. 5 x 7 x 9.5 cm. Paul LaBonte Collection.

 

NSMW8103       CALCITE WITH EPIDOTE     PRICE: $2800. 

LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, HOUGHTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN

A very large transparent calcite with associated epidote. The crystal has fine striations that run parallel to the edges of the faces and the interior displays excellent double refraction. Calcite crystals from the Copper Country of this size and fine condition are extremely rare. Nearly all of them were lost during the mining process or suffered from poor handling over the many decades since they were collected. The crystal is essentially complete on all sides but was probably tight in the pocket as it was cleaved off matrix. Cabinet at 9 x 9 x 15 cm. Paul LaBonte Collection. Mr. LaBonte acquired the specimen from the family of a miner who worked in the Centennial Mine and the location fits because of the epidote association, however, this is only an educated guess. If it is the Centennial Mine then it would have most likely come from the amygdaloid workings at #1/#2.

 

NSMW8102       COPPER      PRICE: $4800. 

LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN

A group of fine copper crystals with deep chocolate brown patina and no point of attachment. The specimen stands very aesthetically and has great form and balance. Crystals are primarily tetrahexahedrons with some twinning. Very fine cabinet specimen from the Paul LaBonte Collection. 6 x 10 x 13 cm.

 

NSMW8087       COPPER      PRICE: $2800. 

KEARSARGE MINE, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, HOUGHTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN

A group of copper crystals with a beautiful reddish/copper patina. The specimen displays from a variety of angles equally well and has complex crystals with twinning and tetrahex faces. There is a hint of quartz and basalt on the base which supports the lode location: probably one of the North Kearsarge mines. Paul LaBonte Collection. 5 x 8 x 11 cm.

 

NSMW8084       COPPER      PRICE: $3500. 

MASS MINE, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, ONTONOGAN COUNTY, MICHIGAN

The Mass Mine began production sometime around 1857 and produced a great deal of copper from the Knowlton Lode which was one of the most important amygdaloids in the souther part of the range. This is a group of copper crystals with a superb patina of cuprite and tenorite, the classic red and black from the district. The crystals are sharp and lustrous along the top and particularly on one end with tetrahex faces and some twins. Very attractive color and contrast and a fine medium cabinet specimen. Paul LaBonte Collection. 4 x 7 x 10.5 cm.

 

NSMW8082       COPPER      PRICE: $3500. 

NORTHWESTERN MINE, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN

The Northwest Mine was formed under the Northwest Mining Company in 1847 and was one of the very early fissure operations in the Keweenaw Peninsula. It was eventually gobbled up by the Conlglomerate Mine and in turn by the Delaware Mining Company. The was wonderfully crystallized with superb examples of copper crystals of many types. This small cabinet specimen is a very high quality group of spinel twinned crystals with parallel growth forms and elongated dodecahedrons. It displays from any angle and has no point of attachment. One of the finest specimens I acquired from the Paul LaBonte Collection. No faults. 3 x 4 x 6 cm.

 

NSMW8115     COPPER     PRICE: $650. 

INDIANA MINE, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, ONTONOGAN COUNTY, MICHIGAN

Large, tenorite copper crystals, to 2.6 cm across, with associated micro adularia. Rich black patina and the well developed blocky crystals are very distinctive of this end of the range. Displays very well and with no faults. Paul LaBonte Collection. Small cabinet 3.5 x 4.5 x 7.5 cm.

 

NSMW8114     COPPER     PRICE: $2400. 

CENTRAL MINE, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN

Group of arborescent native copper with no point of attachment. This is a classic Copper Country specimen found from small fissures and branches associated with the great veins of the district. The crystals are elongated spinel law twins composed into an almost organic form. Paul LaBonte Collection. 2 x 7 x 8 cm. Small cabinet.

 

NSMW8094     COPPER    PRICE: $2900. 

COPPER, CENTRAL VEIN, CENTRAL MINE, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW PENINSULA, MICHIGAN

The Central Mine was the most productive fissure in Keweenaw County with the exception of the great Cliff Vein. Even though the Cliff was richer and more famous, the Central Mine outlasted the Cliff and there are still houses and parts of the old operations still around today. This is an aesthetic group of chocolate brown crystals with fine form and presentation. Paul LaBonte Collection. Medium cabinet. 3.5 x 6.5 x 7.5 cm.

 

NSMW8450        COPPER      PRICE: $125. 

CENTRAL FISSURE, CENTRAL MINE, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN

Miniature group of arborescent copper crystals with no point of attachment. The specimen has the classic fern-like branching crystals typical of spinel law twinned coppers from vein mines and one very fine twin off to one side that highlights the piece. No damage. 0.8 x 3 x 3.2 cm.

 

 

 

NSMW8449        COPPER      PRICE: $125. 

CENTRAL FISSURE, CENTRAL MINE, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN

Small cabinet group of arborescent copper crystals with no point of attachment. The specimen has the classic fern-like branching crystals typical of spinel law twinned coppers from vein mines. No damage. 1.5 x 4.5 x 4.5 cm.

 

 

NSMW8436       COPPER      PRICE: $225. 

CENTRAL MINE, LAKE SUPERIOR, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN

Spinel-law twinned coppers with no point of attachment. The Central Mine was founded on an incredibly rich fissure vein that supported a profitable mining community for some 50 years. The bulk of production came from the main vein but there were myriad parallel veinlets that were associated with it that also produced copper and this piece may have come from one of these smaller seams. Very aesthetic particularly in terms of morphology. No faults. 0.6 x 4 x 4.2 cm. 

 

NSMW8427       COPPER   PRICE: $125. 

CENTRAL MINE, LAKE SUPERIOR, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN

Group of sharp copper crystals displaying classic herringbone and arborescent forms from twinning on the spinel law. Classic Copper Country location. No faults and no point of attachment. 1.5 x 2 x 2.5 cm. 

 

NSMW8150          COPPER          PRICE: $3200. 

CENTRAL MINE, CENTRAL MINING COMPANY, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN

The Central Mine was one of the most profitable and reliable fissure mines in the entire district. While many of the mines were only intermittently operated and rarely profitable, the Central was regarded as one of the best managed and money making ventures on the point. In addition to having a wonderful ore body to rely on this locality produced thousands of superbly crystallized coppers over a period of nearly 50 years. This specimen is a classic and highly distinctive group of arborescent copper crystals richly inter-grown with spine-like crystals twinned on the spinel law protruding from the matrix. Excellent patina and a very choice medium cabinet from this mine. Specimen would have been mined c. 1860s-1880s. No faults. 5 x 7.5 x 9 cm.

 

NSMW8059         DATOLITE       PRICE: $120. 

FLINTSTEEL MINE, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, ONOTONGAN COUNTY, MICHIGAN

Cut and polished datolite with very even solid color of tan/brown with a thin but very white rim running around the nodule. Great datolite location for the district.  3.2 x 4 cm across the polished face.

 

NSMW8055         DATOLITE       PRICE: $125. 

SUPERIOR MINE, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, ONOTONGAN COUNTY, MICHIGAN

Cut and polished datolite with multiple individual nodules enclosed in matrix with very thin dark lines separating each section. Fine cuprite red particles are evident throughout but are more concentrated towards the centers.  Excellent color and location. 3.7 x 4.7 cm across the polished face.

 

NSMW8046        DATOLITE      PRICE: $50. 

EMPIRE MINE, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW COUNTY, KEWEENAW PENINSULA, MICHIGAN

Polished datolite half with light salmon/tan center and shades of grays on the rim. Great location from one of the early fissure mines in the district. 2.7 x 3.5 cm across the polished face.

 

NSMW8045        DATOLITE      PRICE: $80. 

THE POINT, LAKE SUPERIOR, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW COUNTY, KEWEENAW PENINSULA, MICHIGAN

Polished datolite half with a white rim over a light salmon/gray zone and centered with a tan color with reddish overtones. These datolites are either collected as beach nodules where they wash up after storms or by braving the cold waters of the lake and collecting them form exposures or by lucking into them as loose stones on the bottom. Always rare and one of the most sought locations. 2 x 3 cm across the polished face.

 

NSMW8043        DATOLITE      PRICE: $60. 

DREXEL MINE, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW COUNTY, KEWEENAW PENINSULA, MICHIGAN

Polished datolite half with creamy white rim and numerous red cuprite red dots speckled in the interior. Excellent location. A couple of minor cracks toward one side. 3.5 x 4.5 cm across the polished face.

 

NSMW8025         DATOLITE       PRICE: $220.

KEWEENAW POINT, LAKE SUPERIOR, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW COUNTY, KEWEENAW PENINSULA, MICHIGAN

Cut and polished datolite with creamy white rim and an interior of light brown/tan and localized reddish veil-like inclusions. These datolites are collected from the water either by diving on the lake bed or by hammering them out of exposed outcrops in the water. This is a good sized half from the point. 2.9 x 3.9 cm across polished face.

 

NSMW7998      DATOLITE      PRICE: $125. 

FLINTSTEEL MINE, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, ONTONOGAN COUNTY, MICHIGAN

Polished datolite half with a rich coppery/red interior and a hint of bright white on some edges. Excellent location. 3 x 3.5 curved polished face in matrix. Great color.

 

NSMW7995      DATOLITE      PRICE: $45. 

DREXEL MINE, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW COUNTY, KEWEENAW PENINSULA, MICHIGAN

The Drexel Mine was a fissure mine near the Delaware mine and was eventually absorbed by the Delaware. These small fissures were locally rich in mass copper and also with other minerals like datolites. This is a nice polished pair 2 x 2.2 and  2 x 3 cm across. Excellent and one of the more localities. Mined c. 1860s.

 

NSMW7993         COPPER       PRICE: $225. 

KEARSARGE LODE, OJIBWAY MINE, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN

Group of native copper crystals with a fine and rich patina. A nice miniature. No faults. 2.5 x 3 x 4.5 cm.

 

NSMW7992         COPPER       PRICE: $250. 

KEARSARGE LODE, OJIBWAY MINE, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN

Group of native copper crystals protruding from a matrix of quartz and prehnite. The forms are divergent and arborescent branches with a fine and rich patina. No faults. 2.5 x 3 x 5 cm.

 

 

NSMW7894         COPPER     PRICE: $250. 

B SHAFT, OLD COPPER FALLS VEIN, COPPER FALLS COMPANY, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN

Stack of native copper crystals exhibiting both cubic and tetrahexahedron faces. This is a classic copper from this location both in terms of overall appearance and morphology. I collected the specimen in 1985 from the poor rock piles by digging deep down and exposing fresh material that had no been picked over. The copper was in a calcite seam which I dissolved in very dilute muriatic. Ross C. Lillie Collection. Miniature 1 x 2.8 x 3 cm.

 

NSMW7652      COPPER IN PREHNITE   PRICE: $15. 

OSCEOLA MINE, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, HOUGHTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN

Wire copper protruding from a light green prehnite matrix. Wire coppers are rare from the district and occur only sporadically across the major lodes. This specimen is a very fine miniature example of this copper varietal. No faults. 1.7 x 2 x 3 cm.

 

NSMW7194       SILVER ON COPPER          PRICE: $6500.

1st LEVEL, KEARSARGE LODE, NORTH KEARSARGE MINE #1, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, HOUGHTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN

Branching silver on copper and basalt matrix. Beautiful silver specimen from the rich upper levels of the mine. No faults.  Ross C. Lillie Collection. 1.8 x 2.7x 5 cm.

 

 

NSMW7190           COPPER           PRICE: $1200.

4th LEVEL, GRIBBLE VEIN, COPPER FALLS MINE, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW PENINSULA, KEWEENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN

The Gribble Vein was a sympathetic fissure west of the Owl Creek Vein and was worked independently along with the development of the Ashbed Lode. The vein was very rich and produced a number of masses during the peak production years of the early 1860s. Most of the copper from the fissure was simply mass copper with crudely formed crystals tightly compacted in a chlorite matrix. However, on rare occasions some great pieces turned up. This piece I collected as a floater in a bunch of rock left after a blast. Elongated tetrahexahedrons with calcite casts and no attached matrix. The location I determined from an old surveyor's map dated c. 1863. Rare. No faults. Ross C. Lillie Collection. 1.8 x 6 x 9 cm.

 

 

   

NSMW7193           COPPER           PRICE: $6500.

KEARSARGE LODE, LAURIUM MINE, CALUMET AND HECLA MINING COMPANY, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW PENINSULA, HOUGHTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN

The Laurium Mine was one of the farthest properties to the east on the Kearsarge Lode that was developed by Calumet and Hecla. The shaft was sunk and the levels put in place but no stoping was done and the rock that was stockpiled on the property was actually ore. As such, it was quite rich in specimens and a number of great pieces were found on the pile. Most of the rock was hauled off in the 1960s and milled at the Centennial Mine #3 location but there was some rock that was left which gave opportunities for collecting. I collected this piece with a fellow digger, Steve Whelan, c. 1984. It is the best piece I ever found on the surface. We found the piece together and by generous offer from Steve I got this one and he kept another which was also a dandy. Great patina and no faults. Excellent aesthetic group of branching crystals. Ross C. Lillie Collection. 4 x 5 x 11 cm.

 

   

NSMW7187           COPPER           PRICE: $450.

WALLACES' VEIN, COPPER FALLS MINE, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW PENINSULA, KEWEENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN

Elongated copper crystal on matrix of basalt and calcite. Wallace's Vein is a sympathetic fissure to the Owl Creek Vein and was worked independently along with the development of the Ashbed Lode. The vein was cleaned out when I collected there with the rare exception of just a few pieces left in the back. The location I determined from an old surveyor's map dated c. 1863. The copper, 4.5 cm, resembles a cobra ready to strike. Collected c. 1979. No faults. Ross C. Lillie Collection. 3.5 x 5 x 6 cm.

 

   

NSMW7090        COPPER      PRICE: $2500.

NAUMKEAG MINE, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, HOUGHTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN

The Naumkeag Mine was started in an effort to find the extension of the great Pewabic Lode that made so many investors rich with the Quincy Mine. The Naumkeag Mine was a series of exceptionally long adits with a couple of inclined shafts. A fellow infidel and I dug one of the adits out years ago and waded through chest deep, icy cold water to get into workings that had been closed for years. We found a pile of ore that was stockpiled along the drift that turned out to be quite a bonanza. This piece was one of the finest crystallized specimens in the find. Sharp, spinel twins in a fine branching form. No faults. Collected c. 1978. Ross C. Lillie Collection. 2 x 5 x 7.5 cm.

 

     

NSMW6998          COPPER        PRICE: $3500.

SENECA MINE, KEWEENAW COUNTY, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, MICHIGAN

There is a sympathetic structure in the foot wall of the Kearsarge Lode that runs for miles through the mines. I have collected from the Seneca, Gratiot, Mohawk, and Kearsarge Mines from this vein. It usually is rich in copper and analcite with local concentrations of prehnite, chlorite and sometimes calcite. I collected this piece and carefully picked out the matrix of analcite and altered basalt to expose the copper crystals. It is one of the best coppers I ever collected from here. Very aesthetic and no attached matrix. No faults.  Ross C. Lillie Collection. 4.5 x 7 x 14.5 cm.

 

       

NSMW6995           COPPER           PRICE: $1800.

SENECA MINE, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW PENINSULA, KEWEENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN

Branching group of native copper with rich purplish/red cuprite patina. The specimen is a combination of crystal faces and impressions of analcite that were present in the vein. I collected the specimen from a footwall structure that ran for hundreds and hundreds of feet. Very aesthetic and attractive copper with no faults. Ross C. Lillie Collection.  2.5 x 9 x 20 cm.

 

NSMW6994           COPPER           PRICE: $220.

WALLACES' VEIN, COPPER FALLS MINE, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW PENINSULA, KEWEENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN

This is a floater specimen of copper from one of the most rare locations I collected from. I only found two or three specimens from this vein that cross-cut the Ashbed Lode in the eastern end of the Copper Falls Tracts. The vein was filled with massive calcite but every once in a while there was an included specimen of copper. Wallace's Vein is clearly marked on an old 1869 Plan Map of the Copper Falls Mine. This is an elongated tetrahexahedron with deep cuprite patina and slight malachite coating. No faults. Ross C. Lillie Collection. 1 x 1 x 5.2 cm.

 

   

NSMW6988           COPPER           PRICE: $850.

PHOENIX MINE, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW PENINSULA, KEWEENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN

The 'Copper Country' of Northern Michigan is world famous for producing superb native copper specimens. For over 120 years the area was mined continuously for copper in pure native form. The Phoenix Mine is one of the most famous locations in the native copper in crystallized form. This specimen is a floater with no point of attachment and no attached matrix. The crystals are combinations of tetrahexahedrons with some twinning. I found it in 1976 while exploring the location for any potential opening into the mine. No faults. Ross C. Lillie Collection. 3 x 5 x 5 cm.

 

   

NSMW6985          COPPER        PRICE: $650.

B SHAFT, OLD COPPER FALLS FISSURE, COPPER FALLS COMPANY, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, MICHIGAN

The Old Copper Falls Fissure was one of the very first mining operations in the Copper Country. It started in 1844 and mined for less than two years before the company moved to other veins east of this tract. Since it was so early, when mass copper was found they were still experimenting with the removal of the huge chunks and I found some very unusual chisel chips and hammered and cut coppers from this mine. Along with some great artifacts were some very fine specimens of copper most of which were nicely crystallized. Some were exceptionally well formed into branching arborescent groups like this. Rare, very fine and highly aesthetic miniature from an important but overlooked mine. Ross C. Lillie Collection. Collected 1985 (many black flies died in the recovery of this piece). No faults. 1.8 x 3.5 x 5 cm.

 

   

NSMW6983      COPPER WITH SILVER     PRICE: $350.

2ND LEVEL, ASHBED LODE, PETHERICK MINE, COPPER FALLS COMPANY, KEWEENAW COUNTY, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, MICHIGAN

Sponge copper with associated silver. No attached matrix. The Petherick Mine was a combination deposit that started with mining on the Copper Falls Fissure by a series of shafts and adits. The vein was rich in mass copper in portions and loaded with excellent associated minerals like datolite and analcite. When the vein intersected the Ashbed Amygdaloid it was particularly rich. I collected this piece from the second level in a calcite rich zone. After carefully removing the calcite it left this great specimen of sponge copper with a rare association of native silver. The part of the mine this came from was first mined in the 1850s. Ross C. Lillie Collection. Collected c. 1978. 6.5 x 9 x 15 cm.

 

NSMW6974       ORE CAR TAGS (SET OF SEVEN)   PRICE: $35.

CALUMET AND HECLA MINING COMPANY, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, MICHIGAN

These mine tags were affixed to ore cars on the way to the mill. It was a means of keeping track of the grade at the mines and possibly for blending of ore as well. They were color coded and had pre-printed mine names with re-inforced holes. Ross Lillie Collection.  Each tag measure 5 x 10.5 cm.

 

   

NSMW6931          SILVER         PRICE: $350.

B SHAFT, OLD COPPER FALLS VEIN, COPPER FALLS COMPANY, KEWEENAW COUNTY, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, MICHIGAN

Pure native silver in matrix of calcite and chlorite with associated analcite. The Old Copper Falls Vein was one of the very first fissures mined in the Copper Country and only lasted for a couple of years before the company shifted operations to veins to the west. If you read the old Foster and Whitney reports c. 1850 they indicate that on their visit to the property that the fissure was rich in silver where it narrowed and became mineralized with chlorite and calcite. This is just such a specimen. I collected this from the poor rock piles in 1984 by painstakingly digging a trench through though 140 years of accumulated humus, saplings and waste rocks. The black flies here are especially intense since the mine was founded next to a small stream. I really earned every piece from this pile. The silver would have been mined 1844-1846. Ross C. Lillie Collection. No faults. 2.3 x 3 x 4 cm.

 

 

NSMW6601          COPPER       PRICE: $450.

SENECA MINE, KEWEENAW PENINSULA, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN

Sharp native copper crystals with rich tenorite and cuprite patina. The faces are lustrous and sharp and appear to be dodecahedrons with curved surfaces. The reddish cuprite section is actually casts after analcite which was classic from this find. I collected this from a highly mineralized vein in the footwall of the lode. This vein runs for thousands of feet through several of the major mines in the district that were sunk on the Kearsarge Lode. I collected from the same structure in the Seneca, Mohawk, North Kearsarge and South Kearsarge Mines. This is one of the best and sharpest coppers I ever found and probably the best for tenorite coating. Ross C. Lillie Collection. 2.5 x 3 x 3.8 cm. 

 

   

NSMW6325         COPPER        PRICE: $220.

11th LEVEL STOPE, SENECA MINE #2, KEARSARGE LODE, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN

Branching group of copper combined of crystals and casts after analcite and calcite. This specimen is from what is probably the finest discovery made by 'Midnight Miners' in the Copper Country. Originally found by Marc Wilson and later by others, the specimens were enclosed in a sympathetic structure that runs the length of the Kearsarge Lode. The vein was mineralized in calcite, pink prehnite, laumontite, natrolite and copper. Superb specimens of all of these species were collected before the water came up and filled the stopes. This is a very excellent copper from this find. Sharp, very sculptural and has not been cleaned in acid. I have had it in my collection for nearly 30 years. Ross C. Lillie Collection. 5 x 5 x 10.5 cm.

 

   

NSMW6288           COPPER WITH ANALCITE           PRICE: $450.

11th LEVEL, KEARSARGE LODE, SENECA MINE #2, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN

A group of reddish/brown copper crystals with associated orange analcite. I traded for this specimen when I was a geology student at Michigan Tech in 1977. It was collected by Mark Shimmelman in a stope where a large section of the back fell in and exposed a superbly mineralized section of the ore body that was rich in copper crystals, analcites, pink prehnites, natrolite and calcite. The piece has good three dimensional form and well formed sharp crystals. It is perfectly documented which is rare from the Copper Country. In top condition. Ross C. Lillie Collection. 3.5 x 7 x 7 cm.

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END MICHIGAN SECTION