Galena, Chalcopyrite, Pyrite, Chalcocite

This miniature specimen consists of a mass of irregularly shaped galena, with the non-uniform, somewhat rounded crystal habits that are characteristic of material from Nanisivik. The galena is coated with numerous small pyrite crystals and chalcopyrite. Looking under the microscope one can also see many pseudo-hexagonal chalcocite micros in many of the crevicies. Overall, it is a very visually interesting example of the distinctive sulphide assemblages produced by this classic Arctic locality.

The Nanisivik Mine, located on northern Baffin Island approximately 750 km north of the Arctic Circle, was one of the world’s most northerly operating base-metal mines. It opened in 1976 and primarily produced zinc and lead from Mississippi Valley type mineralization hosted in dolostone. Although the mine closed permanently in 2002 due to declining resources and metal prices, Nanisivik has become legendary among collectors for the distinctive and often beautifully crystallized specimens it produced. Drill core examples from this remote Arctic operation are very uncommon and make for an important piece of Canadian mining and mineralogical history.