Samples of Ironstone gathered from Breitung Mine located in Marquette County, Negaunee, Michigan, USA, showcase a rich hue of deep reddish-brown, occasionally presenting clear bands. It’s important to note though that not all pieces exhibit this banding feature. Comprising three iron-rich minerals—Hematite, Goethite, and Magnetite—this ironstone was frequently accompanied by quartz waste during its extraction. Dating back to 1844, the Breitung Mine holds historical significance, though it is no longer active. It was never a sizeable endeavour even during its operational phase however, featuring only a single recognised shaft. These rocks originate from the Paleoproterozoic era, dating back approximately 2.5 to 1.6 billion years. These specimens are only available in very limited quantities and are offered in three size variations, arriving in a white card tray accompanied by an informative label. Alternatively, we offer a single large display piece measuring approximately 18cm x 15cm at its widest points. This showcased specimen features a distinctive botryoidal texture on its upper surface, adding an intriguing element to any collection.
