Specimen Picture Gallery

This picture gallery of specimens from A. E. Seaman Mineral Museum’s collection includes images that have been selected for a variety of reasons from their beauty to locality to donor and more. You will see many images of specimens not on exhibit at the museum or its satellites. We hope you enjoy this glimpse of a few of the natural masterpieces that are part of the Museum’s collection. Contact us for originals of photographs.

Copper, Central Mine, Keweenaw County, Michigan. The “Gabriel Copper” has been called the finest copper specimen in the world by a number of experts. Donor: D. C. Gabriel. Specimen 8 cm tall. Photo by G. Robinson and J. Jaszczak. (DCG 1110)

Silver, Cliff Mine, Keweenaw County, Michigan. One of the museum’s finest silvers, this specimen is one of only a very few good silvers from the Cliff Mine known. Donor: L. L. Hubbard. Specimen 10 cm tall. Photo by G. Robinson. (LLH 508)

Seamanite, Bengal (Cannon) Mine, Iron County, Michigan. Red seamanite crystals. Seamanite is named for A. E. Seaman, founder of the A. E. Seaman Mineral Museum. It is exceedingly rare, with only three localities in Michigan and one additional in Australia. Field of view 3 mm wide. Photo by J. Jaszczak. (DM 27928)

Datolite, Mesnard Mine, Houghton County, Michigan. A rare datolite nodule with colors zoning from the more common red to the much rarer yellow. Specimen 8 cm tall. Photo by J. Jaszczak. (DM 1489)

Calcite with native copper inclusions, Quincy Mine, Houghton County, Michigan. The iconic “Whittle Calcite” is one of the finest large copper included calcite specimens. Donor: T. Whittle. Sepcimen 22 cm wide. Photo by G. Robinson. (TW 1)

Sulfur, Maybee Quarry, Monroe County, Michigan. A fine crystal group of sulfur with calcite. Maybee sulfurs are easily North America’s finest sulfur specimens. Specimen 8 cm wide. Photo by J. Scovil. (DM 23056)

Silver and copper, North Kearsarge Mine, Houghton County, Michigan. “The Buffalo” is one of the museum’s most recognizable specimens. It features some of the largest crystals of silver known from the district on crudely crystallized copper. From collection of J. T. Reeder. Specimen 18 cm wide. Photo by G. Robinson. (JTR 1726)

Copper, Rockland, Ontonagon County, Michigan. The “Grasshopper” is another iconic specimen and is perhaps one of the most sculptural copper specimens known. Specimen 38 cm across. Photo by G. Robinson and J. Jaszczak. (JTR 1893)

Antimony, calcite, Lake George Mine, New Brunswick, Canada. The largest specimen collected from the discovery that has produced the finest examples of native antimony ever found. Specimen 16 cm tall. Photo by J. Jaszczak and C. Stefano. (DM 22994)

Pumpellyite variety greenstone, Isle Royale National Park, Michigan. “Greenstone” is Michigan’s state gemstone. Specimen 4 cm wide. Photo by J. Jaszczak.

Copper, Phoenix Mine, Keweenaw County, Michigan. A superb group of reddish copper crystals. Donor: L. L. Hubbard. Specimen 13 cm wide. Photo by G. Robinson. (LLH 440)

Calcite with native copper inclusions, Quincy Mine, Houghton County, Michigan. Probably the finest twinned copper included calcite specimen in the collection. From the J. T. Reeder collection. Specimen 4.5 cm across. Photo by J. Jaszczak. (JTR 389)

Copper, Belt Mine, Ontonagon County, Michigan. An exceptionally large twinned dodecahedron of copper. This specimen was collected from the mine dump in 2004. It is extremely rare for such outstanding specimens to be recovered from the mine dumps. Donor: members of the A. E. Seaman Mineral Museum. Specimen 6.5 cm tall. Photo by G. Robinson. (DM 27712)

Proustite, Dolores Mine, Chanarcillo, Chile. Miners called proustite and related minerals were called “ruby silver” by miners because of their intense color. Like many silver minerals, proustite is light sensitive and continued exposure to light will darken it to black, making this specimen next to impossible to exhibit. Specimen 10 cm wide. Photo by G. Robinson. (DM 23880)

Silver, Michigan Mine, Ontonagon County, Michigan. Superb silver crystals from a lesser-known locality. From the J. T. Reeder collection. Specimen 7 cm wide. Photo by G. Robinson. (JTR 437)

Copper, Keweenaw Peninsula, Michigan. Sharp tetrahexahedral copper crystals. Donor: L. L. Hubbard. Specimen 5 cm wide. Photo by G. Robinson. (LLH 488)

Calumetite, Ahmeek #2 Mine, Keweenaw County, Michigan. Calumetite is a very rare secondary copper mineral and this is one of finest calumetite specimens in the world. Field of view 1 cm wide. Photo by J. Jaszczak. (DM 23009)

Agate, Lake Superior off Keweenaw Point, Michigan. A superb Lake Superior agate collected by diver Bob Barron from thebottomlands of Lake Superior. Donor: members of the A. E. Seaman Mineral Museum. Specimen 6.5 cm wide. Photo by J. Jaszczak. (DM 25605)

Celestine, Maybee Quarry, Monroe County, Michigan. An attractive group of gemmy celestine crystals. Specimen 6 cm wide. Photo by J. Scovil. (DM 23127)

Millerite, Sterling Mine, Antwerp, New York. Rare millerite crystals from one of the world’s best localities for fine millerite specimens. Field of view is approximately 3 cm wide. Photo by G. Robinson. (DM 30065)

Powellite, North Tamarack Mine, Houghton County, Michigan. Michigan’s finest powellite crystal. Until the recent discovery of outstanding powellites in India, this was the world’s finest powellite. From the collection of J. T. Reeder. Specimen 4.8 cm tall. Photo by J. Scovil. (JTR 1777)

Copper, Resolute Mine, Keweenaw County, Michigan. The only known significant copper specimen from this early and short-lived fissure mine. The Resolute Mining Company presented the specimen to the Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences in 1867. Donor: A. Moretta. Specimen 19 cm tall. Photo by G. Robinson. (DM 30948)

Hematite, Ironwood, Gogebic County, Michigan. Hematite “pencil ore,” perhaps the most attractive variety of hematite iron ores. Donor: F. Smith. Specimen 14 cm tall. Photo by G. Robinson photo. (FS 122)

Diopside on graphite, Karo Mine, Merelani, Tanzania. A superb specimen of gem diopside crystals on some of the finest graphite crystals known. Sponsor: G. Arntsen. Field of view is approximately 4 cm wide. Photo by J. Jaszczak. (DM 30189)

Gold, Eagle’s Nest Mine, Placer County, California. Fine crystals of gold with minor quartz. Specimen 5 cm wide. Photo by J. Jaszczak. (DM 25975)

Shigaite, Bengal (Cannon) Mine, Iron County, Michigan. Micaceous brown-red shigaite crystal on matrix. Although rare, Michigan shigaites are among the best in the world. Field of view 3 cm wide. Photo by G. Robinson. (DM 27927)

Calcite, Montreal Mine, Iron County, Wisconsin. This is perhaps the finest specimen of manganoan calcite from the Lake Superior iron district. Specimen 18 cm tall. Photo by G. Robinson. (DM 22612)

Datolite, Mesnard Mine, Houghton County, Michigan. Dark red datolite nodule with black veining. From the collection of J. T. Reeder. Specimen 5.5 cm wide. Photo by G. Robinson. (JTR 971)

Spessartine, Quartz, Tongbei, Fujian, China. An outstanding specimen of orange spessartine crystals encrusting smoky quartz crystals. Specimen 12 cm tall. Photo by G. Robinson. (DM 27685)

Cyanotrichite, Grandview Mine, Coconino County, Arizona. Superb crystals of Cyanotrichite on matrix from this old mine, now a part of Grand Canyon National Park. Donor: W. and D. Leicht. Field of view is approximately 4 cm wide. Photo by G. Robinson. (DM 21542)

Calcite with copper and silver, Quincy Mine, Houghton County, Michigan. A superb specimen of copper included calcite crystals with silver crystals. From the collection of J. T. Reeder. Specimen 4.5 cm wide. Photo by J. Jaszczak. (JTR 390)

Celestine, Holloway Quarry, Monroe County, Michigan. One of the best celestine specimens of the unique type found at the Holloway Quarry in Michigan. Holloway celestines are grey-blue and unusually blocky. Donor: members of the A. E. Seaman Mineral Museum. Specimens 18 cm. Photo by G. Robinson. (DM 23903)

Bournonite, Machacamarca Mine, Potosi, Bolivia. One of the world’s largest crystals of Bournonite. Donor: M. Weill. Specimen 17 cm wide. Photo by G. Robinson. (DM 26891)

Variscite, crandallite, and wardite, Clay Canyon, Fairfield, Utah. Green variscite partially altered to yellowish crandallite and blueish wardite. A unique occurrence, the Clay Canyon variscite deposit has produced some wonderful specimens which must be cut and polished in order to be appreciated. Donor: G. B. Robbe. Field of view 4 cm wide. Photo by G. Robinson. (GBR 1497)

Calcite, St. Joe Lead Mine, Balmat, New York. Calcite is too soft to be used in jewelry, but cut calcite can rival diamonds. This large stone was cut by master gem cutter Arthur Grant. Donor: H. Dibble. 6.5 cm, 1071 carats.G. Robinson photo.6.5 cm, 1071 carats.

Aurichalcite, 79 Mine, Hayden, Arizona. A superb specimen of delicate aurichalcite crystals on matrix. Specimen 7.5 cm wide. Photo by G. Robinson. (DM 25025)

Rhodochrosite, Climax Mine, Lake Co., Colorado. Rare crystals of rhodochrosite on quartz crystals from a lesser known Colorado rhodochrosite locality. Donor: A. and C. Hammond in memory of E. Bekkala. Specimen 11.5 cm wide. Photo by C. Stefano. (DM 31235)

Calcite, Faraday Mine, Bancroft, Ontario. Iron oxides coat these calcite crystals from this famous uranium mine. Donor: C. Belanger. Specimen 15.5 cm wide. Photo by G. Robinson. (DM 12)

Spessartine, Nani, Loliondo, Tanzania. Spessartine is a member of the garnet group and is perhaps one of the more beautiful garnet species. These large spessartines from Tanzania are among the best. Donor: The Arkenstone. Specimen 5 cm across. Photo by G. Robinson. (DM 30129)

Copper, Central Mine, Keweenaw County, Michigan. A perfect “bonsai tree” of copper crystals on a matrix of native copper. From the collection of J. T. Reeder. Specimen 11 cm wide. Photo by G. Robinson. (JTR 669)

Hematite, Ishpeming, Marquette Co., Michigan. So-called “tulip ore”. Formations of this type would have been common in the upper levels of the iron mines. Donor: L. L. Hubbard. Field of view 8 cm wide. Photo by G. Robinson. (LLH 802)

Agate, Lake Superior, Michigan. A brightly banded Lake Superior agate. From the collection of J. T. Reeder. Specimen 6 cm tall. Photo by J. Scovil. (JTR 997)

Silver, Kearsarge Mine, Houghton County, Michigan. A large spinel twin of silver on smaller silver crystals from one of Michigan’s premier silver localities. Specimen 6 cm tall. Photo by J. Jaszczak. (JTR 405).

Copper, Laker Pocket, Lake Superior off Eagle River, Keweenaw County, Michigan.The Laker Pocket was found on the bottomlands of Lake Superior in 2008. Donor: members of the A. E. Seaman Mineral Museum. Field of 12.5 cm. Photo by J. Jaszczak. (DM 30118)

Copper, Calumet and Hecla Mine, Houghton County, Michigan. A complex group of a variety of different crystal styles from the largest mine in the Keweenaw copper district. Specimen 8 cm tall. Photo by C. Stefano. (JTR 674)

Quartz, Dalnegorsk, Primorskii Kray, Russia. Rare, red quartz crystals from Dalnegorsk, Russia. Donor: P. and J. Clifford. Specimen 9.5 cm wide. Photo by C. Stefano photo. (PJC 06092)

Azurite, Bisbee, Cochise County, Arizona. Velvety azurite on malachite from one of America’s classic localities. Donor: E. Heinrich. Specimen 14 cm wide. Photo by C. Stefano. (DM 23095)

Rutile and hematite, Novo Horizonte, Bahia, Brazil. Yellow needles of rutile on black hematite crystals. Specimen 9 cm wide. Photo by G. Robinson. (DM 25458)

Copper, White Pine Mine, Ontonagon County, Michigan. Dendritic copper crystal group with some blue coatings. Donor: L. Hampel. 20 cm wide. Photo by G. Robinson. (DM 28299)

Marcasite, Shullsburg, Lafayette County, Wisconsin. Superb stalactites of marcasite. Specimen 13.5 cm tall. Photo by G. Robinson. (DM 23058)

Sphalerite (faceted), Picos de Europa, Santander, Spain. Gem sphalerite is among the great prizes in the collector’s gem world and this specimen is no exception. Specimen 4 cm across, 152 carats. Photo by G. Robinson.

Sperrylite, Broken Hammer Deposit, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. Sperrylite is a rare platinum mineral. Large crystals are known from only a few localities worldwide and some of the best have come from the Broken Hammer Deposit. Donor: R. and C. Sage. Specimen 1.8 cm across. Photo by J. Jaszczak. (DM 31134)

Rhodochrosite, Grizzly Bear Mine, Ouray, Colorado. Fine rhodochrosite crystals from an early Colorado rhodochrosite locality. Specimen 8 cm tall. Photo by G. Robinson. (JTR 949)

Calcite, silver and copper, South Hecla Mine, Houghton County, Michigan. A unique specimen of copper-included calcite perched on silver crystals. Donor: W. Weir. Specimen 7 cm tall. Photo by G. Robinson. (DM 168)

Sulfur, Maybee Quarry, Monroe County, Michigan. A large sulfur crystal with some smaller parallel crystals attached. Specimen 5.5 cm tall. Photo by J. Scovil. (DM 23134)

Copper, Quincy Mine, Houghton County, Michigan. A sharp, elongated dodecahedral crystal with red cuprite coating. From the collection of J. T. Reeder. Field of view is about 5 cm wide. Photo by G. Robinson. (JTR 1642)

Elbaite, attributed to the Cruzeiro Mine, Minas Gerais, Brazil. An attractive specimen of translucent green crystals on quartz. Donor: M. Zinn. Specimen 10 cm tall. Photo by G. Robinson. (DM 23551)

Pentagonite, Wagholi Quarry, Poona, Maharashtra, India. Fine crystals of Pentagonite. The Poona area in India is the only locality in the world for large pentagonite crystals. Field of view is approximately 3 cm wide. Photo by J. Jaszczak. (DM 27951)

Galena, Shullsburg, Lafayette County, Wisconsin. A rare stalactite of galena crystals from this old lead-zinc district. Specimen 9 cm tall. Photo by C. Stefano. (DM 23064)

Calcite, Sweetwater Mine, Reynolds County, Missouri. Very large calcite crystals on matrix. Specimen 36 cm tall. Photo by J. Scovil. (DM 22362)

Sulfur, Cianciana, Sicily, Italy. An outstanding large specimen of sulfur crystals from the world’s best locality for the species. Specimen 20 cm tall. Photo by J. Scovil. (DM 301)

Calaverite, Cripple Creek, Colorado. A large crystal of this rare gold mineral. Specimen 3 cm tall. Photo by G. Robinson. (DM 744)

Azurite, Tsumeb, Namibia. A superb azurite crystal with partial alteration to malachite. Donor D. Gabriel. Specimen 8 cm tall. Photo by G. Robinson. (DCG 755)

Calcite with native copper inclusions, Quincy Mine, Houghton County, Michigan. A superb example of copper included calcite. Donor: D. Gabriel. Specimen 5 cm tall. Photo by J. Scovil. (DCG 1159)

Calcite, Loc-Ketkipada, Bombay, India. A fine and unusual calcite crystal group from India. Donor: P. and J. Clifford. Specimen 13 cm tall. Photo by M. Schorr. (PJC 9505)

Silver, prehnite and copper, Quincy Mine, Houghton County, Michigan. An unusual “ball” of silver crystals on a matrix of prehnite and copper. From collection of J. T. Reeder. Specimen 7.5 cm long. Photo by J. Jaszczak and C. Stefano. (JTR 493)

Datolite, Quincy Mine, Houghton County, Michigan. A beautiful large datolite nodule. Datolite nodules are unique to the Keweenaw area and are highly sought after by collectors. Donor: D. Gabriel. Specimen 13.5 cm wide. Photo by G. Robinson. (DCG 1935)

Brucite, Cedar Hill Quarry, Texas, Pennsylvania. A superb crystal group of brucite originally from the collection of W. W. Jefferis. Donor: A. & C. Hammond in memorium of E. Bekkala. Specimen 15.5 cm wide. Photo by C. Stefano. (DM 31179)

Hematite, Cumberland, England. Classic botryoidal hematite “kidney ore” from England. Donor: E. Heinrich. Specimen 18 cm wide. Photo by C. Stefano. (DM 23210)

Pyromorphite, Daoping Mine, Guangxi, China. The Daoping Mine has produced some of the best pyromorphite specimens known. Specimen 10 cm wide. Photo by G. Robinson. (DM 27568)

Marcasite, Blackstone Mine, Shullsburg, Lafayette County, Wisconsin. A very large plate of marcasite stalactites. Donor: L. Hampel. Field of view is approximately 30 cm wide. Photo by C. Stefano and J. Jaszczak. (DM 28859)

Pseudomalachite, Virneberg Mine, Rhineland-Pfalz, Germany. Pseudomalachite is a rare phosphate of copper named for its resemblance to much more common malachite. Donor: L. Hubbard. Specimen 7.5 cm wide. Photo by G. Robinson. (DM 12076)

Analcime on copper, Phoenix Mine, Keweenaw County, Michigan. Large, hematite-included analcime crystals. Donor: L. L. Hubbard. Specimen 7. 5 cm wide. Photo by J. Scovil. (LLH 267)

Quartz and andradite, Blue River Skarn, Primorskii Kray, Russia. A superb group of greenish quartz crystals on a matrix of andradite crystals. Donor: P. and J. Clifford. Specimen 16 cm wide. Photo by C. Stefano. (PJC 08102)

Elbaite, Pala King Mine, Pala, California. A pretty tourmaline crystal from the best U.S. locality for tourmalines. Specimen 10 cm tall. Photo by J. Jaszczak. (DM 5)

Celestine, Rockwood Quarry, Wayne County, Michigan. A sharp, doubly terminated crystal of gray-blue celestine perched on limestone matrix. Donor: S. Dyl. Specimen 6 cm wide. Photo by J. Jaszczak. (DM 23205)

Variscite and crandallite, Clay Canyon, Fairfield, Utah. A cut and polished slab of a large variscite nodule. Collected in the 1940’s by George Robbe, who leased the site from the famous Ed Over for a season. Donor: G. Robbe. Specimen 29 cm wide. Photo by G. Robinson. (GBR 1539)

Agate, Idar-Oberstein, Germany. A colorful agate from one of the World’s most famous agate localities. Donor: D. C. Gabriel. Specimen 12 cm wide. Photo by G. Robinson. (DCG 355)

Fluorite and celestine, White Rock Quarry, Clay Center, Ohio. Clay Center is probably the best-known locality for fluorite in Ohio. Donor: P. and J. Clifford. Sepcimen 13 cm wide. Photo by M Schorr. (PJC 07030)

Cuprosklodowskite, Musonoi Mine, Katanga, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Named for Marie Curie (her maiden name was Sklodowska), cuprosklodowskite is one of the most beautiful of uranium minerals. Donor: M. Origlieri. Specimen 10 cm across. Photo by M. Schorr. (DM 31246)

Copper, Keweenaw Peninsula, Michigan. Sharp crystal aggregates with black and red tenorite and cuprite coatings and an exceptionally high luster. Donor: L. L. Hubbard. Specimen 15 cm long. Photo by G. Robinson. (LLH 580)

Sulfur, Racalmuto, Agrigento, Sicily, Italy. The world’s finest sulfur specimens come from Sicily. This specimen was collected by University of Michigan professor Walter Hunt gifted by Hunt to E. W. Heinrich who in turn gifted his entire collection to the A. E. Seaman Mineral Museum. Donor: E. W. Heinrich. Specimen 11.5 cm wide. Photo by C. Stefano. (DM 24436)

Fluorapatite, Rapid Creek, Yukon, Canada. A fine crystal group of purple apatite from Rapid Creek. From the Patrick Collins collection, one of the most well-documented and comprehensive collection of minerals from Rapid Creek. Specimen 3.5 cm across. Photo by G. Robinson. (DM 27753)

Rhodochrosite after alabandite on wurtzite, Merelani, Arusha, Tanzania. A one-of-a-kind specimen of rhodochrosite replacing alabandite on wurtzite. The specimen also has some of the finest clausthalite crystals on it. Specimen 3 cm across. Photo by J. Jaszczak. (DM 31181)

Willemite, Franklin, Sussex County, New Jersey. Sharp, doubly terminated willemite crystals in calcite photographed under short wave ultraviolet light. Willemite glows an intense green color and the calcite glows with an intense orange-red color. Specimen 8 cm wide. Photo by G. Robinson. (DM 4076)

Silver, copper, Copper Falls Mine, Keweenaw County, Michigan. A large silver crystal hosting a number of small copper crystals. Donor: D. C. Gabriel. Specimen 2.8 cm wide. Photo by C. Stefano. (DCG1000)

Smithsonite, Tsumeb, Namibia. Green cuprian smithsonite from one of the world’s premier mineral localities. Donor: E. Heinrich. Specimen 10 cm long. Photo by C. Stefano. (EWH 1740)

Calcite, Leiping Mine, Hunan, China. Hematite included calcite from China. Specimen13 cm wide. Photo by C. Stefano. (PJC 05008)

Aragonite, Chetco, Curry County, Oregon. A beautiful and unique specimen of aragonite balls. From the collection of J. T. Reeder. Specimen 8 cm wide. Photo by G. Robinson. (JTR 101)

Datolite, bottomlands of Lake Superior off Isle Royale, Keweenaw County, Michigan. Among the largest fine datolite specimens known, this specimen was collected by divers in 1980. Donor: D. and R. Snyder. Specimen 30 cm tall. Photo by C. Stefano. (DM 31264)

Goethite, Steeprock Mine, Atikokan, Ontario. Lustrous botryoidal goethite on weathered iron ore. Specimen 9 cm tall. Photo by G. Robinson. (DM 22760)

Uranophane, Faraday Mine, Bancroft, Ontario, Canada. Uranophane is a rare and often beautiful uranium mineral. The Faraday Mine is a lesser-known locality for outstanding examples. Crystal group 1.5 cm across. Photo by G. Robinson. (DM 27723)

Datolite, High Rock Bay, Keweenaw County, Michigan. Yellow datolites like this one are among the rarest. Donor: L. Latoski. Specimen 6 cm wide. Photo by J. Jaszczak. (DM 22707)

Phosgenite, Touissit Mine, Oujda, Morocco. Phosgenite is a rare secondary lead mineral reaching its pinnacle in Sardinia and Morocco. Specimen 8 cm long. Photo by G. Robinson. (DM 24080)

Copper, Central Mine, Keweenaw County, Michigan. Superb specimen of numerous sharp, equant crystals. From the J. T. Reeder collection. Specimen 14 cm wide. Photo by G. Robinson. (JTR 526)

Vanadinite, ACF Mine, Mibladen, Morocco. Sharp orange vanadinite crystals from the world’s premier locality for the species. Specimen 6 cm wide. Photo by G. Robinson. (DM 19804)

Gypsum, Bristol Mine, Crystal Falls, Michigan. An attractive gypsum crystal group. These crystals grew in only a few years during a hiatus in mining at the Bristol Mine. Specimen 5 cm tall. Photo by G. Robinson. (DM 27494)

Wulfenite, Red Cloud Mine, La Paz Co., Arizona. A sharp, orange-red crystal of wulfenite from one of the premier localities for the species. Donor: D. C. Gabriel. Specimen 2 cm tall. Photo by G. Robinson. (DCG 8)

Calcite, France Stone Quarry, Monroe County, Michigan. A small but attractive specimen of honey-colored calcite crystals from lower Michigan. Donor: D. Gabriel. Specimen 5 cm tall. Photo by J. Scovil. (DM 23126)

Gold, Eagle’s Nest Mine, Placer County, California. A superb California gold specimen. Eagle’s Nest has produced some of the finest crystallized gold specimens ever found. Specimen 8 cm tall. Photo by J. Jaszczak. (DM 25976)

Copper in Agate, Wolverine #2 Mine, Houghton County, Michigan. Copper replaceing bands of an agate. Specimen 3.5 cm wide. Photo by G. Robinson. (DM 30339)

Copper, Central Mine, Keweenaw County, Michigan. Sharp copper crystals with black and red tenorite and cuprite coatings. From the collection of J. T. Reeder. Specimen 6.5 cm wide. Photo by G. Robinson. (JTR 1699)

Copper, Franklin Mine, Houghton County, Michigan. A sharp dodecahedral crystal of copper on calcite. From the collection of J. T. Reeder. Field of view is about 4 cm wide. Photo by J. Jaszczak. (JTR 1747)

Copper, Copper Falls Mine, Keweenaw County, Michigan. A nearly perfect cube of copper. Specimen 2.5 cm wide. Photo by J. Jaszczak. (DM 22203)

Fluorite, Sphalerite, Annabel Lee Mine, Hardin County, Illinois. A beautiful color-zoned fluorite crystal on sphalerite crystals from the famous southern Illinois fluorospar district. Specimen 6.5 cm across. Photo by G. Robinson. (DM 19854)

Datolite, Centennial #2 Mine, Houghton County, Michigan. A white datolite nodule with blue-green core. Donor: F. Henderson. Specimen 5.5 cm wide. Photo by G. Robinson. (DM 22393)

Manganite, Lucy Mine, Negaunee, Michigan. A superb crystal group of manganite crystals from Michigan. Donor: D. C. Gabriel. Specimen 13.5 cm wide. Photo by C. Stefano. (DCG 400)

Fluorite, White Rock Quarry, Clay Center, Ohio. A SW-UV photo showing the strong fluorescence of Ohio fluorites. Donor: D. Gabriel. Specimen 17 cm wide. Photo by G. Robinson. (DM 24530)

Diamond, Diavik Mine, Northwest Territories, Canada. A rare diamond crystal showing a rare “skeletal” habit. Specimen 1 cm across, 2.71 carats. Photo by J. Jaszczak. (DM 31245)

Topaz, Shigar Valley, Northern Pakistan. Sherry colored topaz crystals on pegmatite matrix with muscovite crystals. The pegmatite minerals of northern Pakistan are rapidly becoming modern classics. Donor: S. Meieran and F. Cirillo. Specimen 20 cm wide. Photo by C. Stefano. (DM 31199)

Cassiterite, Mount Xuebaoding, Sichuan, China. A very large and lustrous cassiterite crystal from a modern classic locality. Donor: S. and C. Smale. Specimen 11.5 cm wide. Photo by G. Robinson. (DM 27709)

Celestine and calcite, Maybee, Monroe County, Michigan. Maybee produced some of the finest celestine specimens ever found in North America. This specimen is a particularly rare combination of celestine with golden calcite. Specimen 17 cm wide. Photo by J. Jaszczak and C. Stefano. (DM 25331)

Agate, bottomlands of Lake Superior off Keweenaw Point, Keweenaw County, Michigan. Collected by diver Bob Barron. Donor: members of the A. E. Seaman Mineral Museum. Specimen 5.5 cm wide. Photo by J. Jaszczak. (DM 25600)

Copper, White Pine Mine, Ontonagon County, Michigan. An attractive “herringbone” style crystal group of copper. It was collected underground by miner Frank Pouttu. Specimen 9.5 cm wide. Photo by C. Stefano photo. (DM 31213)

Rhodochrosite, Montreal Mine, Iron Co., Wisconsin. Sheaves of rhodochrosite crystals on matrix. Montreal produced some of the finest rhodochrosite specimens from the Lake Superior district. Donor: E. Watson. Specimen 13 cm tall. Photo by C. Stefano. (DM 9)

Calcite, Naica, Chihuahua, Mexico. Twinned calcite crystals with edges accented by tiny pyrite crystals. Donor: P. & J. Clifford. Specimen 11.5 cm long. Photo by M. Schorr. (PJC 11132)

Agate, Republic Mine, Marquette Co., Michigan. A rare agate from one of Michigan’s iron mines. Donor: D. & L. Smail. Specimen 4.5 cm wide. Photo by G. Robinson. (DM 25810)

Rosasite, Mapimi, Durango, Mexico. Velvety balls of rosasite with hemimorphite. Donor: S. A. Williams. Field of view 4 cm wide. Photo by G. Robinson. (DM 439)

Zincite, Franklin, New Jersey. An outstanding crystal of zincite from Franklin. It was acquired from the family of a Keweenaw copper miner who had used it for years as a watch fob (the hole drilled to accommodate this usage is visible on the left side of the specimen in the photo). Specimen 3 cm wide.Photo by G. Robinson. (DM 30818)

Gold, California. A fine hoppered octahedron of gold. This type of crystal is very rare from California. Specimen 1.8 cm tall. Photo by J. Jaszczak and C. Stefano photo. (JTR 1821)

Calcite, Meshberger Quarry, Columbus, Indiana. Fine calcite crystals on limestone matrix, typical of those found throughout the central United States. Donor: L. Hampel. Specimen 18.5 cm wide. Photo by J. Jaszczak. (DM 29442)

Goethite, Jackson Mine, Negaunee, Michigan. Iron miners gave a variety of names to various styles of ore from the mines. This style is known as “blackberry ore”. Specimen 7 cm wide. Photo by G. Robinson. (DM 11239)

Rhodochrosite, Daaden-Biersorf, Germany. German rhodochrosite specimens are among the World’s best but are rarely seen. Donor: L. L. Hubbard. Field of view 4 cm Photo by G. Robinson. (DM 276)

Autunite, Daybreak Mine, Spokane, Washington. A fine example of this uncommon uranium mineral. Specimen 8.5 cm wide. Photo by G. Robinson. (DM 23181)

Elbaite, Mokhovya Pegmatite, Malkhan, Siberia, Russia. A large red tourmaline crystal from a lesser known locality for fine tourmalines near Lake Baikal in central Russia. Donor: W. Shelton. Specimen 25 cm tall. Photo by C. Stefano. (DM 31208)

Beryl variety emerald, Ural Mts. Malyshevo, Russia. The Urals are one of the most important historical localities for emeralds. Donor: A. and C. Meieran. Specimen 9 cm tall. Photo by G. Robinson. (DM 24331)

Celestine, Holloway Quarry, Monroe County, Michigan. Gray-blue celestine crystals showing a tabular habit that is unique to Holloway. Specimen 14 cm wide. Photo by G. Robinson. (DM 24185)

Apophyllite on copper, Phoenix Mine, Keweenaw County, Michigan. A small but beautiful specimen of apophyllite encrusting copper. From the collection of J. T. Reeder. Specimen 4 cm wide. Photo by J. Scovil. (JTR 1702)

Chalcocite, Tongshankou Mine, Hubei, China. Irridescent coatings on thin stalactites of chalcocite. Specimen 6.8 cm tall. Photo by C. Stefano. (DM 31200)

Arsenic, Quiruvilca, La Libertad, Peru. A recent acquisition of rare native arsenic. Specimen 19 cm wide. Photo by C. Stefano. (DM 31188)

Lorandite, Orpiment, Allchar, Macedonia. Lorandite is a very rare thallium mineral, and Macedonia has produced many of the best ones. Specimen 5.5 cm across. Photo by C. Stefano. (DM 31201)

Xonotlite, N’Chwaning Mine, Kuruman, South Africa. Fibrous, radiating spheres of xonotlite from the species’ premier locality. Although relatively common, attractive xonotlite specimens are exceedingly rare. Specimen 10 cm wide. Photo by G. Robinson. (DM 25902)

Calcite, Olenitsa River, Kola Peninsula, Russia. An attractive specimen of calcite pseudomorphs after ikaite. Donor: P. & J. Clifford. Specimen 13 cm tall. Photo by M. Schorr. (PJC 06065)

Copper, Milpillas Mine, Sonora, Mexico. A large crystal group of native copper from a locality better known for its azurite specimens. Specimen 30 cm wide. Photo by C. Stefano. (DM 31189)

Cuprite, copper, Copper Queen Mine, Bisbee, Arizona. Sharp, red cuprite crystals on fine copper crystals. Specimen 4. 5 cm wide. Photo by G. Robinson. (DM 13293)

Malachite, Burra Burra, South Australia. Cut and polished slab of stalactitic malachite. Donor: L. T. Hampel. Field of view 4 cm. Photo by G. Robinson. (DM 28731)

Corundum variety ruby, Jagdalak, Afghanistan. A fine ruby crystal in white marble. Field of view is about 2.5 cm wide. Photo by G. Robinson. (DM 22608)

Calcite, San Sebastion Mine, Charcas, San Luis Potosi, Mexico. Among the finest known examples of “poker chip” calcite crystals. Donor: D. Gabriel. Specimen 18.5 cm wide. Photo by G. Robinson. (DCG 2255)

Thomsonite (cabochons), Lake Superior, Minnesota. Thomsonite from Lake Superior is actually a mixture of minerals, thomsonite being one of the most prevalent. Largest cabochon 2 cm across. Photo by G. Robinson.

Copper, Quincy Mine, Houghton County, Michigan. A sharp dodecahedron of copper with tetrahexahedral modifications. From the J. T. Reeder collection. Field of view is about 7 cm wide. Photo by J. Jaszczak (JTR 520)

Calcite, El Potosi Mine, Chihuahua, Mexico. An unusual group of spiky calcite crystals. Donor: J. Hatch. Specimen 7.5 cm tall. Photo by G. Robinson. (DM 24868)

Analcime with calcite, Phoenix Mine, Keweenaw County, Michigan. Fine analcime crystals on matrix with honey-colored calcite. Donor: D. Gabriel. Specimen 6 cm tall. Photo by J. Scovil. (DCG 1357)

Calcite with native copper inclusions, Franklin Mine, Houghton County, Michigan. An iconic specimen, called “the rocket," is considered to be one of the finest copper included calcite specimens in the world. Specimen 8.5 cm tall. Photo by J. Scovil. (JTR 320)

Kainosite-Y, Bicroft Mine, Ontario, Canada. A very large crystal for this very rare species. It is among the largest and finest known crystals of the species. Donor: E. W. Heinrich. Specimen 3.5 cm tall. Photo by C. Stefano. (DM 23267)

Silver and copper, Wolverine Mine Houghton County, Michigan. Silver crystals tipped with copper crystals with an unusually artistic arrangement. Field of 7 cm across. Photo by G. Robinson. (JTR 411)

Copper, Franklin Mine, Houghton County, Michigan. Superb flat aggregates of black, tenorite coated copper crystals on matrix with small copper included calcite crystals. From the collection of J. T. Reeder. Specimen 11 cm wide. Photo by G. Robinson. (JTR 660)