Details
ColorsOrange
Origin
1856-1890's, Pewabic Lode, Houghton County, Keweenaw Peninsula, Michigan, USA
SizeExtra large
Dimensions30.0 x 24.8 x 8.1 cm
Species
Cu
Description
This is a HUGE copper specimen with a thick 12-inch crystal perched on natural pedestal of smaller crystals. Its a floater, complete all around, and with really impressive 3-dimensionality. We call it the "antiaircraft gun" for obvious reasons. This crystal has, in its middle, a souvenir of the pre-1900s mining technique of hand-drilling. This impression would have been left by a cold steel drill bar that was hammered through the rock by two strong men, alternating turns while another held a candle. The trick was to aim for the candle's reflection on the polished end, and NOT to have the hammer slip and hit your buddy holding the bar in place. It was not the easiest of techniques. I find this to be a fascinating specimen! So did the Seaman Museum folks. Yes, technically it is "scarred," but its in such an interesting manner that to me this is definitely a museum-style piece. Comes with custom lucite display base.
Known provenanceKnowing where your specimen comes from and who owned it adds to its story and value. Good provenance helps prove it's authentic and preserves important details about its discovery.