CERUSSITE. Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine), Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region (Oshikoto), Namibia. ...

Description

CERUSSITE
Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine), Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region (Oshikoto), Namibia

Now that the Tsumeb Mine is but a memory, the fabulous specimens that exited the mine have assumed the kind of status possessed by the works of dead artists. The big Cerussite "snowflakes" that were found in the mine were relatively rare even then, due to their size, weight and an inability to fit in a miners lunch-box. Which is why you won't be seeing a lot of examples as large as this one. The reticulated crystalline aggregate measures over nine inches (22.9 cm) across and over 3 inches (7.6 cm) in thickness. It is possible to see between the crystal blades from one side to the other. Dark gray to black vein matter is intermixed with the light smoky Cerussite at the edges of the piece, which appears to be the entire filling in an ore "pod". As is typical with the larger and heavier (˜12.5 pounds or 5.66 kilos) examples of this mineral, there is some breakage to exposed crystals. This is a very big Cerussite.
Overall measurements: 9 x 6 x 3 inches (22.9 x 15.2 x 7.6 cm).

Provenance: Victor Yount [Hoppel # D0360]

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