Cerussite. Flux Mine, Flux Gulch, Alum Gulch, Harshaw District, Patagonia Mts, Santa Cruz Co., Arizona, USA. ...

Description

Cerussite
Flux Mine, Flux Gulch, Alum Gulch, Harshaw District, Patagonia Mts, Santa Cruz Co., Arizona, USA

"An intergrown cluster of white "jack straw" cerussite crystals. A very delicate specimen. Got the specimen in trade from the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History in exchange for some big amethyst geodes."
- Rock H. Currier

At one time an open cavern, several feet in size, was discovered in the Flux Mine.
The ceiling was literally covered with the kind of Cerussite crystals you see here. Careful extraction managed to preserve many of the delicate crystals on matrix: not as easy task laying on your back, with rocks and gravel raining down on you, in a dark hole in the ground. Field collectors know that this is the rule, not the exception. In any event, this is quite representative of the better specimens removed at that time. For those of you planning a trip to the locality: a. The boys weren't stupid; they took it all, b. The claim holders have made entry somewhat difficult, and c. They check the place fairly often and are friends with the local sheriff's department. You figure the odds of extracting any more specimens ...
Overall Measurements: 6.7 x 6.3 x 4.7 inches (17.0 x 16.0 x 12.0 cm)
Offered at no reserve

Provenance: Ex. Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Collection [RHC #8002, acquired 2007]
MinID FAF-6VJ

[Scale: 1 inch, with mark at 1 cm]

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