FMF - Friends of Minerals Forum, discussion and message board

[CircleTour1977]

Hello, I just visited the Seaman Museum while on a trip to immerse myself in the culture of the Keweenaw Peninsula.

It was profound to say the least, and basically messed with my emotions. The impression on me is so significant that I have to ask if the minerals themselves are capable of affecting people. That sounds hokey, but at the point the impossible seems probable.

To put it in perspective there are two examples that best describe the impact. The first is the spell of the Arkenstone on Thorin in The Hobbit. However, picture Thorin newly discovering a cavern filled with a thousand equally powerful Arkenstones.
The second example is an alternate version of my own experience of seeing my wife for the first time. However it would have been the bewildering experience of walking in to a convention of a couple thousand women who look exactly like my wife.

I have to cite both of these scenarios as I really felt some weird mixture of love and lust. This is definitely one of the most significant experiences of my life. On top of it all, I am not a mineral enthusiast. This is the first mineral exhibit I have ever seen.

[John Jaszczak]

On June 12 the copper slab was readied for raising off of the truck and onto its new stand.

[John Jaszczak]

A pavilion is being constructed around the copper boulder slab. Here is the progress.

[John Jaszczak]

Here is something pretty special in the museum's collection that was acquired recently- a twinned diamond crystal from the Diavik Mine, Lac de Gras, Northwest Territories, Canada. The individual crystals are of the "cavernous" or "re-entrant" cubic habit more commonly known from Botswana. The crystal is currently on display in the museum for all to enjoy.

[John Jaszczak]

Here is a smaller (~2.5 mm) un-twinned re-entrant diamond crystal that the museum has had for many years. It is from the Donald C. Gabriel collection, and is reportedly from Kasai Province, Democratic Republic of Congo. Gabriel acquired this and a few other diamond crystals from Sidney Krandell in 1943.

[Woody Thompson]

That huge copper slab has a patina and prominent parallel grooves on one side (clearly seen in the "Precise" photo showing the slab about to be hoisted into place). Being a Pleistocene geologist, I wonder if they're glacial grooves (value added!!) ? Or maybe slickensides?

[Susan Robinson]

Some sheets of copper from the Nonesuch shale from the White Pine mine that may be slickensides, but the large pieces of float copper which show prominent grooves in them are most likely from glacial action.

George Robinson

[Woody Thompson]

Thanks, George! Few mineral "specimens" of any size survive the glacial grinding mill. The glacial markings really do add a lot of interest to this already remarkable copper.

[John Jaszczak]

Hi Woody. You should come and visit us and see it in person! - John

[Woody Thompson]

Yes, we really must get out there for a visit. Thanks, John!

Woody

[Robert Seitz]

Great mineral museum. I have been in Houghton on recruiting trips about 2 X yearly for last several years & try to visit each time. Good to see what's new as well as old favorites.

[John Jaszczak]

The Royal Ontario Museum and the A. E. Seaman Mineral Museum collaborated on this display at the 2016 Tucson Gem and Mineral Show.

[John Jaszczak]

Associate Curator Christopher Stefano assembled a case of great minerals donated to the museum by Paul and Janet Clifford (Cleveland, Ohio) to display this year in Tucson. I have known Paul and Janet since about 1980. Sorry they couldn't make it to Tucson this year. We appreciate their support.

[Jamison Brizendine]

Hi John,

Thanks for posting the specimens that the Clifford's donated! I know both of them through our club in Cleveland, Ohio.

I will let them know that you posted a picture of some of their specimens, I think they would appreciate it. I would like to see more of their collection if you have some spare time. They have an outstanding collection.

[John Jaszczak]

A famous specimen of silver crystals on copper formerly in the John T. Reeder collection.

[John Jaszczak]

Congratulations to Bruce Cairncross on his fine Connoisseur's Choice article on Shigaite in the March/April 2016 issue of Rocks and Minerals. A few specimens of Shigaite and associated minerals from Michigan's iron district, which are in the museum's collection, were featured. Here are a few photos of specimens in the article and a few extras.

[Jordi Fabre]

[John Jaszczak]

Sulfides from Merelani tanzanite district, Tanzania.
The Mineralogical Record published a paper on “Spectacular sulfides from the Merelani tanzanite deposit, Lelatema Mountains [S. Harrison, et. al. 45, 553-570 (2014).] that featured some specimens in the museum's collection.
We featured our wurtzite earlier on these pages
https://www.mineral-forum.com/message-board/download.php?id=34149

Here a a few more specimens from the article.

[John Jaszczak]

The size and quality of the alabandite crystals from Merelani were quite a surprise to find. In addition, they have a variety of associated species, including chalcopyrite, tennantite-tetrahedrite, stilbite, rhodochrosite, clausthalite, millerite, wurtzite, tanzanite, diopside, calcite, graphite, laumontite, tremolite, pyrite, chabazite-Ca, and more.

[NeedHelp]