Tag Archives: Keweenaw

Where in the world is Copper World?

Copper World

Copper World

In historic downtown Calumet, Michigan, lies the finest gift shop in the Keweenaw. Yes, I speak of Copper World. They retail my jewelry as well as items from many other top-of-the line artisans, most from the Copper Country. I specialize in gemstone jewelry from the Copper Country that I find myself, cut, and wrap. My jewelry is a great fit for this store.

Snob Appeal Jewelry is exclusively featured at Copper World

Snob Appeal Jewelry is exclusively featured at Copper World

I love their exclusive line of clothing items promoting the Keweenaw Peninsula as well as their full line of the famous Stormy Kromer hats “made in da U.P. eh.” They feature all the finest books on the history of the area as well as the rocks and minerals of Copper Country. I could go on and on about all the cool things they have, but I want you to go there or check out their web site: www.calumetcopper.com

 My buddies Tony and Tim

My buddies Tony and Tim

The store is owned by my good friend Tony Bausano, and is most often staffed by his son Tim, and daughter Chris. Behind the scenes is Tony’s wife, Joyce, who really runs the business end of things at the store, as well as the online business and all the shipping. I love a family business and this is one of the best examples.

I have been exclusively retailing at Copper World for four years, and thanks to Tony and Tim our business and products have a great following up here. Whenever I do wire-wrapping demonstrations at Copper World many locals come in to chat and see what new things I’ve done. Working in Copper World also allows me to talk about my favorite subject (rocks) to those interested. The best sellers are Lake Superior Agate, Datolite, and Chlorastrolite pendants. Other stones of interest are Prehnite, Thomsonite, Firebrick, and Mohawkite.

I'm in deep concentration making jewelry in Copper World.

I'm in deep concentration making jewelry in Copper World.

They proudly offer the work of many artists’ products, many associated with the Copper Country. Besides the “Kromer’s” I just love the Thimbleberry jam they sell.

Tony is the biggest promoter of Calumet that I know of (and longtime mayor) and steers the “Trolls” (this is the nickname for we who live south of the Big Mac Bridge) to historic places and local sights. He is proud of Calumet and it’s history. The building itself was a big restoration project and is a welcoming beacon to the historic downtown area.

Make no mistake this store is a very busy place during tourist season, with a constant flow of walk-ins, both local and from far and wide. They come looking for that perfect souvenir or gift, and are seldom disappointed. When you come to Calumet, be sure to visit Copper World.

Native Elements

The Keweenaw Peninsula is known as a source of native copper. A question I sometimes get is “What do you mean when you say NATIVE copper?”

p7260103Simply stated, the copper (mineral) is in its natural state and is not combined with any other minerals. A few elements can be found in their native state, but the only ones that are commonly encountered are Gold, Silver, Copper, Graphite, Diamond, and Sulfur.

Most of the native copper in the Keweenaw Peninsula does have a dash of silver in it, which made it more conductive, and therefore coveted by the burgeoning electrical companies back at the turn of the century. Native copper also requires very little refining. The copper mined in northern Michigan was just run through a stamp mill where the copper ore was smashed and the rock surrounding it was pulverized off. The copper then went directly to the smelters without any further processing.

The metals listed above are true metals, but I also see semi-metals in the U.P., such as Arsenic that combines with silver and copper to form Mohawkite. Mohawkite is an attractive find on some of the mine dumps, but care must be taken in handling and working with it due to the arsenic content. Mohawkite does make beautiful cabs that look like gold. The cabs will tarnish with time but can be re-polished with care and they make really distinctive jewelry. Lately I have been coating the Mohawkite cabochons with industrial epoxy. This prevents air from reaching the metals and thereby inhibits oxidation. (See also my post on Mohawkite of 9-14-09) Sometimes a treatment enhances a certain stone, making it a much better jewelry stone. This is what happens when Mohawkite is coated with epoxy. Some of my customers like the natural oxidation that is common with Mohawkite. I like the golden, shiny look of the coated stones. You can make your own selection.

We generally have many similar gemstones, other than those posted on this website. I am always willing to take a few photos of alternative pendants and send them to you. By the way, I love a challenge. What non-traditional gemstone pendant are you looking for?