NATIVE Copper with Malachite

Unknown Owner

Allouez mine in Keweenaw County, Michigan was one of the longest-lived copper mines in the region, albeit in three separate periods. It opened in 1859, although it took ten years for the first copper to be produced. Operations continued sporadically until 1892. A reorganization of the company led to a reopening in 1905 and the establishment of a new town of the same name but following a takeover by the Calumet and Hecla mining company the mine closed again. In 1942, Calumet and Hecla sank a new shaft at Allouez mine and work commenced once again. The mine closed for the final time in 1966. It is not often that good Native Copper specimens are seen from Allouez mine. This smaller cabinet specimen is full of character, brought about by the presence of patchy superficial thin coatings of pale green Malachite upon the very smooth, but bright surfaces of the Native Copper. Ex David Hardman collection.