Known as "Chisel Tips" these two specimens are Native Copper, but not in its natural shape. 'Chisel Tips' are where Native Copper has been cut through using a sharp chisel, resulting in long thin burrs of metal which detach to become somewhat chisel-shaped in their own right. They provide a demonstration of the softness and malleability of copper metal. In many respects they span mineral specimen and mining ephemera. These two Chisel Tips are from the famous Central mine in Keweenaw County, Michigan. Central mine opened in 1854 and holds the distinction of being the first mine in the district to turn a profit in its first year. It continued operating until 1898, producing a total of 51 million lbs (23,000 tons) of refined copper metal. Ex David Hardman collection.
