Field Trip: Copper Country Collecting in Michigan\u2019s Keweenaw Peninsula<\/p>\n

By Jeremy Zolan<\/p>\n

Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate<\/p>\n

Supplies Needed:
\nSafety Goggles
\nWater
\nSunscreen
\nInsect Repellant
\nCrack Hammer
\nChisel
\nShovel
\nWrapping Paper for Specimens
\nBucket
\nSledgehammer (optional)
\nPrybar (optional)
\nMetal Detector (optional)<\/p>\n

Description:<\/p>\n

The Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan has been nationally famous for over 100 years for its history of highly productive copper mining. The local basalt is criss-crossed with many thick veins of native copper that made up the main ore of many of the mines. Solid natural masses of copper weighing hundreds of pounds were found with relative frequency at the mines. Though these pieces certainly were the most valuable ore, the best specimens from the area are clusters of well formed copper crystals. Other metallic minerals can be found with the native copper such as silver, domeykite, mohawkite, and chalcocite. Many other interesting minerals like datolite, analcime, prehnite, agate, and thomsonite are also abundant in the Keweenaw Peninsula. While all the mines of the region are closed to copper production, many are maintained as museums and fee dig sites. There are also many abandoned mines in the area that can provide good digging in the dumps but be sure to acquire permission from landowners before visiting any location on private land.<\/p>\n

Localities:<\/p>\n

Central Mine:
\nUS 41
\nCentral, MI 49950<\/p>\n

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\nPhoto by Dave Maietta<\/p>\n

Map:
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