Detailed information
Species
Native Copper
Dimensions
80 x 110 x 52
mm
Weight
670 g
Locality
Isle Royal Mines Portage Township, Houghton County Michigan, USA
Condition
No recorded repairs
This heavy and pure aggregate of Native Copper is from the classic old Michigan locality of Isle Royal mines. Despite having a very smooth, rounded upper surface it is richly endowed with coarse blocky and elongated Native Copper crystals. It is unclear if the surface smoothing has been caused by handling, or natural phenomena, but it is certainly a very tactile specimen with considerable age to it. Beware though, as sharp hackly Native Copper protrudes from the surfaces in several places and can stab the unwitting handler. The surface of the Native Copper has the look of history to it, duller, and darker orange-brown, but brighter orange metallic flashes are seen on the hackly areas. The individual 'blocky' Native Copper crystals reach over 2 cm across and some display wonderful crystal faces, with the elongated crystal 3.3 cm in length by 0.6 cm wide. A fine crystallized specimen of Native Copper from one of the lesser seen localities. Ex David Hardman collection, no. 6404.