Central Exploration Mine, Central, Keweenaw Co., Michigan, USA

Ref.: "The Hard Rock Mining Era", by Kilpela, "Red Gold and Tarnished Silver", by CCRMC

Discovered in 1930 by Calumet & Hecla, the Central Exploration worked a fissure vein on the famous Kearsarge Lode. The mine went into production from 1934-1936 and again from 1942-1945 during World War II. After the War however, it closed permanently. This is perhaps the best location in the Keweenaw for gem quality chlorastrolite, as well as fine specimens of copper, copper/silver "halfbreeds", and datolite nodules.