Chalcopyrite, Fluorite, Calcite

Chalcopyrite and fluorite specimens from the long-closed Madawaska Mine, a former underground uranium mine, are highly sought after by collectors. This palm-sized specimen features several well-placed dark brown chalcopyrite crystals nestled within a bed of classic hematite-stained calcite. The calcite is further accented by numerous hematite spheroids. Running all through the calcite are light-green microcrystals of fluorite, which fluoresce bright blue under UV light,

The Madawaska Mine, which began operations after its discovery in late 1953, reached a depth of 473 meters (1,537 feet) through extensive shaft deepening. It remained active until its closure in 1982, becoming renowned not only for uranium but also for unique calcite-hematite mineralizations. This piece is a small but fine representation of the locality's mineralogical legacy.