Millerite, Thompson Mine, Moab-Setting Lakes, Manitoba

This lovely millerite is typical of what came out of the Manitoba nickel belt in the 1990s. Unfortunately those days are gone and recycled specimens are the only way to acquire one now. This specimen has several bulbous mounds of radiating needles of millerite on quartz matrix. The needles are not as delicate as they first appear and are rather sturdy. Unfortunately this specimen broke during transport from a recent show so it has now been repaired...hence the lower price (the millerite mostly parted from the underlying quartz but is not solidly attached). The specimen still looks great, however, and represents an extinct Canadian classic locality. Ex Tom Collins collection. From Thompson Mine, Moab-Setting Lakes, Manitoba. Dimensions: 3 cm x 7.5 cm