Calcite with Native Copper

The copper mines which cover much of the Keweenaw Peninsula in Upper Michigan are a prominent favourite amongst many collectors and is famed for its world-class Native Copper and associated minerals.  Right up there with the very best are the almost unique Calcite crystals with included Native Copper, what I and many others consider objects of true beauty.  The remarkable thing about these much sought specimens is the Copper is completely unoxidized, the colour of bright new copper pipes and a colour which under any other circumstances would be considered false following acid etching of commercial low budget specimens.  From Centennial mine in Houghton County, this show-stopping small cabinet specimen is built from several large flattened rhombic Calcite crystals to 7.5 cm tall and tightly intergrown forming a single multi-terminated prism.  Around the base and one side is ingrained matrix debris in the form of milky white cleaved Calcite and verdigris green oxidised traces of Native Copper.  Filling a good two thirds of the translucent light grey Calcite display crystals is bright metallic copper coloured Native Copper which reflect back transmitted light producing a stunning internal glow.  The Native Copper inclusions delineate former phantom Calcite crystals.  A fabulous Calcite with included Native Copper from Keweenaw Copper Country, USA.