Northern tribune. [volume] (Cheboygan, Mich.) 1875-1885, 1884-11-20
NORTHERN TRIBUNE.
THURSDAY. NOVEMBER 20. 1884.
LAKE SUPERIOR.
Mineral Notes---GOld, Silver, Copper, Iron
Lead, Blalxlead, Mica.
Croo;ol N thu nafro;t Do,t


Lead, Blaklead, Mica.
Special to the Detroit Post.
NEGAUNEE, Nov. 12.-Many years ago,
when the territory now called Michigan |
was first explored, it was set down as
valueless. or nearly so. few enthusi-
asts thought the timber might be worth |
something some time, bat they were in
the minority
A few years later, when actual immi-
grafton commenced. the verdict was re-
versed, and all could see that few of |
the lower counties were good for some
thing.
That part of our noble state above the
straits Of Mackinac was long looked up
on as natures garbage ground. Forty
years ago copper was discovered, and
thirty years ago iron was found. From
that day to this the upper peninsula has
been mined for copper and iron only.
Conclusive proofs is now at hand that
this state of affairs will soon be changed.
Leaving out the manufacturing, the ag-
ricultural possibilities, and established
facts, let us look at the mineral wealth
of this mineral region,
In 1882 the product of iron ore was
nearly 100000 tons. This year it Will
All short of that, but will reach long
way beyond 100000 tons. The product of
copper in 1883 was 10000 tons, valued at
Is cents per pound. Since the inception
of the iron and copper business over
$685. 100000 of mineral wealth has been
added to the products of the United States
and 80 per cent of the profit lies outside
of Michigan to-day.
Tn the Silver Islet mine $42OO,OOO
worth of silver was mined before the
company became discouraged and gave
up the mine-a mine that many practi-
cal miners still think worth working.
In the OntOnagOn county mass copper
mines hundreds Of thousands Of dollars
worth of silver was mined.
Several veins and pockets Of silver lead
"a combination Of silver and lead
were found and yielded richly, although
of no considerable size.
THE ROPES MINE.
-Four years ago the Ropes gold and sill
YER mine was discovered. Two days ago
the new mill, with all the latest and
most improved machinery, was set in
motion, and by the commencement OF
new year we shall know whether gold
and silver can be successfully mined in
this state. The result is by no means
doubtful.
BLACK LEAD.
Near Humboldt in Marquette county
is a valuable mine of remarkably pure
graphite, owned by Zinns Bros. of Mil
waukee. This material is worth cents
per pound at eastern points, and an i'm
mense amount Of the purest black lead
il now uncovered. Poorer qualities are
met with in various other places. The
foot wall of the Beaufort and Titan iron
mines, in Baraga composed Of black
lead which is in places OF very good quail
ity, but in others badly mixed with iron
pyrites, or "murdic."
In the same mines, poor quality Of
asbestos is often met with. 1t is too
poor to be of any value in the arts of
manufactures, but would indicate that
there is very likely something of better
quality.
A few miles from Republic gentle
man who knows something Of the pro-
ject has struck a fine ledge of mica
which he considers valuable, and which
certainly shows SEINE very fine speci-
mems. He will endeavOr to mine and
market the article as soon as he can suf.
ficiently develop the mine. The value OF
mica at the mine varies from % cents tC
SIS Der pound, according to grade, some
EXCEPTIONAL fine North Carolina mica
:. having been sold at twice the latter fig
ure.
SLATE.
The slate quarries at Huron bay are
too we'll known to need description. AT
ter long period of idleness the Huron
bay slate quarry is again shipping SLATE
to all parts Of the Union. A portion O.
the peOduct is said to be superior to thai
produced at Bangor, Me-, and its quality
is certainly good or the great demand
for it would not exist. Within shOr
time valuable deposits of slate have beer
found near L'Anse, and as water pOwel
could be obtained very near the claims
they will probably soon be in the mark
et Slate of poor quality is found IL
many of the iron mines of the Marquette
and Menominoe ranges.
MARBLE.
The Ropes gold mine Was disc0xere'
while prospecting for marble. A goo'
bed of marble is said to exist in Crysta
Falls township at considerable depth
Some of the quartz taken from the Rope
is nearly clear enough for rock crystal
GRANITE.
Granite is of very common occurrence
in many parts OF the region. Some OF
9 of an exceptionally fine color an.
eauty, and might be prohtably worked