Nickeline, Skutterudite

This specimen features an intriguing aggregate of plumose nickeline, finely coated with an arsenide mineral, likely safflorite. Originally, the piece may have been encased in calcite, which was subsequently removed with dilute hydrochloric acid to reveal the detailed structure. Sourced from the Rusty Lake Mine, this locality was initially discovered in 1908 and brought into production by Hudson Bay Silver Mines Ltd. in 1910. Ownership changed several times, with the mine operated by Rusty Lake Mining Corp. in 1960, and later by Rustex Mining Corp. until its closure in 1968.

Historically significant, the Rusty Lake Mine yielded approximately 80,000 ounces of silver and 565 pounds of cobalt during its operational years. This specimen captures the characteristic mineralization of this famous Canadian locality and is a noteworthy example of arsenide mineral coatings on nickeline.