Millerite

A small cabinet specimen consisting of a plate of dense, fibrous millerite, showing rich brassy-brown metallic lustre across its surface. The sharp acicular crystals form tightly packed, radiating tufts that create a textured, shimmering appearance. The needle-like habit is classic for the species at this locality, with well-developed aggregates that catch the light from multiple angles.

This specimen comes from the Thompson Mine in Thompson, Manitoba, a well-known source of fine millerite crystals, particularly from material recovered in the late 1990s. Millerite (NiS), a nickel sulphide, is relatively uncommon in well-crystallized form, and pieces from this locality are especially sought after for their distinctive acicular habit and strong metallic lustre. The Thompson deposit, part of a major nickel mining district, has produced some excellent examples, though quality specimens from this period have become increasingly difficult to obtain, making this a desirable and classic Canadian piece.