Lucky Friday Pocket, 402-1000 Level, Ladysmith Mine, Flambeau, Rusk Co., Wisconsin

3 x 1.8 x 2.5 cm
1.2 x 0.7 x 1 in

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Ex. Norm Woods, Collected by Casey Jones, Oct. 13, 1995

A group of Chalcocite crystals with iridescence that varies from gold to purple in color depending on the angle from which it is viewed. The iridescence is due to the presence of a coating of a mix of Chalcopyrite and Bornite. This color does darken and fade with time. I bought some similar specimens in Wisconsin while the mine was working. The specimens had brilliant coloration which later faded, some much faster and more so than others. The color can be restored with a weak acid solution such as common household cleaners for hard water stains. It is highly unlikely Norm ever cleaned this specimen which means the color is not likely to fade in the future. The iridescence on this specimen has held up much better than many I have seen. A note on the name of the pocket: in the US, UK and several other countries, Friday the 13th is considered a day of bad luck (similar to Tuesday the 13th, martes trece, in Spanish speaking countries).

Condition: Excellent

Flaws: Nothing Appreciable

This mineral is also found in the following galleries: Minerals From the United States | Sulfides and Sulfosalts | Minerals Priced Between 100 and 199 Dollars