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Cerussite
Posted by David Von Bargen
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Cerussite July 30, 2009 11:22PM |
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Can you help make this a better article? What good localities have we missed? Can you supply pictures of better specimens than those we show here? Can you give us more and better information about the specimens from these localities? Can you supply better geological or historical information on these localities? After each set of pictures there should be some descriptive text. If none appears it means that we need someone to tell us about the specimens from that locality and something about the geology of the occurrence.
Cerussite
PbCO3 Orthorhombic
Mindat currently lists something 3900 localities for cerussite (2011) so you can see that is is not a rare mineral, but out of that number surprising few localities have produced specimens deemed worth of inclusion here. Some feel that Broken Hill, Australia have produced the best specimens of cerussite, but due to the rough and tumbled life of that early mining camp, very few were preserved. Generally collectors today rate the specimens from Tsumeb, Namibia to be the best in the world, the crystals from this locality are of a large number of habits and are generally more glassy and shiny than their Australian competitors. Glassy clear crystals from Tsumeb have been found up to 60 cm.1 Good specimens have been found at European localities, but for the most part they have been overshadowed by more recent finds. The United States has produced some respectable specimens, but regretfully few compared to the best from Tsumeb. Numerous fine cerussite crystals on red bladed balls of barite were found during the late 1900's. from Mibladen, Morocco as well as fine crystallized specimens from Touissit. Specimens have been sold for more than 10K dollars but it is doubtful that any have been sold form more than 100K, though it is possible. Cerussite is a very heat sensitive mineral and I have heard of specimens shattering if subjected to freezing temperatures. I have not heard of any that have suffered damage by exposure to hot lighting in a display case, though I would be reluctant to subject them to such conditions. Cerussite is sometimes cut into faceted stones for collectors of rare gems, but though its dispersion is amazing in a cut stone, it is a very soft stone and is not practical for jewelry. The largest cut stone must be more than 100 carats. Certainly larger clean stones are possible.
1. Mineralogical Record 1977, Vol 8, No.3 p21.
Cerussite is the most stable common lead mineral produced by weathering of galena bearing lead deposits. The majority of these deposits are of hydrothermal origin, but they also have been found in contact metamorphic deposits, Kuroko and Mississippi Valley type deposits. In the early phases of mining these lead deposits, masses of cerussite could be found in large enough amounts to become ore.
Cerussite is found as massive material, single crystals, V shaped twins and reticulated groups of twinned crystals are common. The "jackstraw" habit consists of numerous randomly oriented elongated crystals. Perhaps the best known locality for this "jackstraw" type, at least in the US are those specimens from the Flux mine, in Arizona.
[David Von Bargen & Rock Currier 2011]
Cerussite
Australia
New South Wales, Yancowinna Co., Broken Hill
The largest mass of cerussite was found in the Central mine as a mass several meters across consisting of reticulated white crystals. Generally crystals were white, but clear, cream, gray, wine-yellow, yellow-brown, smoky brown crystals are known. Some were also coated with yellow or bronze films. Reticulated groups up to 30cm were recovered of which the first image above is a bit over 30 cm tall. This specimen, perhaps the best Australian cerussite to survive from the early days is in the Australian Museum in Sidney. Almost all Australian cerussite specimens show some damage. It is a bad image and in the future someone will upload a better picture if it. Also "arrowhead" twins up to 15cm were common. Long tapering crystals (swords) were found at the British mine. An excellent description of the various types of Cerussite specimen found at Broken Hill was written by C.W. marsh in 1897 Another excellent description of the cerussite specimens this famous locality produced was by George Smith in his Mineralogy of New South Wales published in 1926 by the New South Wales department of mines in their Mineral Resources bulletin #34. Here among other observations he says " Among the earlier discoveries the finest crystals were the long prismatic variety which projected from their base like miniature swords, and were seen in great perfection in the British mine. Smaller intermediate crystals completed the groups which were then of the greatest beauty and being generally deposited in roomy vugs they were all terminated when they did not reach across the openings they were found in. It was difficult to secure these splendid objects intact: they could only be removed with the utmost care in a manner which the circumstance of those days did not permit. It is doubtful if any of this type in an undamaged condition have been seen outside of Broken Hill." This means that there just were not suitable boxes and packing materials to preserve the specimens that were collected. Also many cerussite specimens from Broken hill are coated with small anglesite crystals.
[David Von Bargen & Rock Currier 2011]
Cerussite
Australia
Australia, New South Wales, Yancowinna Co., Broken Hill, Broken Hill Proprietary Mine (Proprietary Mine; BHP Mine)
Cerussite
Australia
New South Wales, Yancowinna Co., Broken Hill, Broken Hill South Mine (BHS Mine)
Cerussite
Australia
New South Wales, Yancowinna Co., Broken Hill, Kintore Opencut
Cerussite
Australia
Northern Territory, Batchelor, Rum Jungle, Brown's Prospect
This was/is a small base metal deposit which was found outcropping on the surface near the little town of Batchelor. In the early days specimens were collected from the surface and shallow trenches though there was generally more Malachite than cerussite or Pyromorphite. Locals came out from Batchelor during some of the early digs and brought home specimens even though they didn't know much about minerals. In 1973 I visited Browns Prospect and you could collect specimens just laying around on the surface. In an hour I picked up enough green lumps to fill up a bag and back in my hotel washed them off and about one out of three was an acceptable specimen some of which I still have today. The deposit also produced a few interesting Pyromorphite pseudomorphs after Cerussite. When big trucks ran past on the road, the ground trembled. The whole deposit seemed to be a limonite gossan shot through with cavities and mineralized with malachite, cerussite and some Pyromorphite. Recently the deposit has been mined and many specimens have been recovered.
[Rock Currier 2011]
Cerussite
Australia
Queensland, Mt Isa - Cloncurry area, Mount Isa district
Cerussite
Australia
Queensland, Mt Isa Mine, Black Star Open Cut
This is a major lead zinc mine, but was not renowned for producing many secondary minerals, except pyromorphite, but a zone of fine reticulated cerussite was found in about 2005.
Cerussite
Australia
Tasmania, Rosebery district, Williamsford, Mt Read, Hercules Mine
Cerussite
Australia
Tasmania, Waratah district, Magnet, Magnet Mine
Cerussite
Australia
Tasmania, Zeehan district, Dundas mineral field
Cerussite
Australia
Tasmania, Zeehan District, Dundas mineral field, Adelaide Mine (Adelaide Pty Mine; Adelaide Proprietary Mine)
Cerussite
Australia
Tasmania, Zeehan District, Dundas mineral field, Comet Maestries Mine
Cerussite
Australia
Tasmania, Zeehan district, Dundas mineral field, West Comet Mine
Cerussite
Australia
Tasmania, Zeehan district, North Dundas, Kapi Mine
Cerussite
Brazil
Bahia
Cerussite
Canada
British Columbia, Fort Steele Mining Division, Moyie, Society Girl Mine
Cerussite
Canada
Yukon Territory, Mayo Mining District, Keno Hill
Cerussite
China
Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guilin Prefecture, Gongcheng Co., Daoping Mine (Tangping Mine)
Cerussite
China
Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guilin Prefecture, Yangshuo Co.
Cerussite
China
Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guilin Prefecture, Yangshuo Co., Yangshuo Mine
Cerussite
China
Hunan Province, Chenzhou Prefecture
Cerussite
Czech Republic
Bohemia (Böhmen; Boehmen), Central Bohemia Region, Príbram
Cerussite
Czech Republic
Bohemia (Böhmen; Boehmen), Plzen Region, Stríbro (Mies)
Cerussite
Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaïre)
Katanga (Shaba), Kengere, Kengere Mine
Cerussite
Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaïre)
Katanga (Shaba), Kipushi, Kipushi Mine (Prince Léopold Mine)
Cerussite
France
Alsace, Champ Brècheté
Cerussite
France
Auvergne, Puy-de-Dôme, Pontgibaud, Saint-Pierre-le-Chastel, Roure
Cerussite
France
Languedoc-Roussillon, Lozère, Marvejols, St Léger-de-Peyre, Ste Lucie Mine
Cerussite
France
Rhône-Alpes, Ardèche, Mayres, Lescure Mine
Cerussite
Germany
Baden-Württemberg, Black Forest, Badenweiler, Badenweiler Pb mining District
Cerussite
Germany
Baden-Württemberg, Black Forest, Wolfach, Oberwolfach, Rankach valley, Clara Mine
Cerussite
Germany
North Rhine-Westphalia, Eifel Mts, Mechernich, Kommern, Griesberg, Gottessegen open pit
Cerussite
Germany
North Rhine-Westphalia, Sauerland, Meschede, Ramsbeck, Juno Mine
Cerussite
Germany
North Rhine-Westphalia, Siegerland
Cerussite
Germany
Rhineland-Palatinate, Eifel Mts, Prüm, Bleialf, Neue Hoffnung Mine, Bertha shaft
Cerussite
Germany
Rhineland-Palatinate, Lahn valley, Bad Ems District
Cerussite
Germany
Rhineland-Palatinate, Lahn valley, Bad Ems District, Braubach
Cerussite
Germany
Rhineland-Palatinate, Lahn valley, Bad Ems District, Frücht, Friedrichssegen Mine
Cerussite
Greece
Attikí (Attica; Attika) Prefecture, Lavrion (Laurion; Laurium) District, Lavrion District Mines, Lavrion (Laurion; Laurium)
Cerussite
Greece
Attikí (Attica; Attika) Prefecture, Lavrion (Laurion; Laurium) District, Lavrion District Mines, Plaka, Plaka Mines, Adami No. 02 Mine ("Adayir" Mine) & Others
Cerussite
Iran
Esfahan Province (Isfahan Province; Aspadana Province), Anarak District, Chah Milleh (Chah-Mileh; Tchah-Mille), Chah Milleh Mine (Chah Mileh Mine; Tchah-Mille Mine)
Cerussite
Iran
Esfahan Province (Isfahan Province; Aspadana Province), Anarak District, Madan-e Nakhlak (Ma'dan-e-Nahlak), Nakhlak Mine (Nekhlak Mine)
In 1977 the Nakhlak Mine was still a producing mine whose main ore was Galena. It was not a large mine and as I recall the hoist was not operating and we had to walk down to the stopes perhaps 150 feet below to reach the first main level of the mine.The mine served double duty as a teaching facility for mining engineers. The students were broken up into groups. One group would study and work at timbering for a while and another would work at drilling and blasting and another at geology etc and periodically the groups would rotate to a subject new to them. The mine had been around a long time and and up in the hills, were many rat holes that I was told dated from the era of the great Persian kings 2500 years ago. When I was there I was able to collect some very nice small specimens of Cerussite, some of which had tiny red Wulfenites associated with them. In one stope/tunnel there was a cleft up in the ceiling that was lined as far as my mine lamp would shine with small clusters of cerussite crystals up to perhaps 2cm. The floor of the tunnel/stope was broken rock mixed with perhaps 10% cerussite crystals (broken of course). If I would have known then what I know today I would have tried to stick around for a week or two and work a deal with the mine management to do a little mining just for the cerussite crystals. In another part of the mine, in a haulage way I found a dust covered pocket of cerussite crystals and was able to collect out of it a very respectable small cerussite specimen. This haulage way had been around a long time. It had a cement trough in it that was used to channel water. I often thought of going back, but about six months after my visit, the Shaw got kicked out and Americans have not been welcome back since that time.
[Rock Currier 2011]
Cerussite
Iran
Yazd Province, Bafq (Bafgh), Taj Kuh Mine
The Taj Kuh is a small mine and a visit there in 1977 showed that the main ore was hand sorted galena. They were operating with out an on site geologist and access to the mine was via. a little head frame and a bucket. The miners rode the bucket down and the ore back up. Sometimes in the center of the galena lumps would be pockets of cerussite crystals. I didn't have much luck in the mine, but a miner brought me a plastic sack full broken twinned cerussite crystals including the one pictured here. I was told that there was a man in Tehran that had one that weighed several kgs. I was also able to collect two nice small specimens of Hemimorphite on the dump.
[Rock Currier 2011]
Cerussite
Ireland
Co. Galway, Killimor, Tynagh Mine
Cerussite
Italy
Lombardy, Bergamo Province, Brembana Valley, Dossena, Paglio Pignolino Mine
Cerussite
Italy
Sardinia, Cagliari Province
Cerussite
Italy
Sardinia, Carbonia-Iglesias Province, Domusnovas, Oridda, Sa Duchessa Mine
Cerussite
Italy
Sardinia, Carbonia-Iglesias Province, Iglesias, Monteponi Mine
Cerussite
Italy
Sardinia, Medio Campidano Province, Arbus, Montevecchio Mines
Cerussite
Mexico
Chihuahua, Mun. de Ahumada, Los Lamentos Mts (Sierra de Los Lamentos)
Cerussite after Anglesite
Mexico
Chihuahua, Mun. de Aquiles Serdán, Santa Eulalia District, West Camp, Francisco Portillo, La Purísima Mine
These specimens are quite rare.
Cerussite
Morocco
Meknès-Tafilalet Region, Er Rachidia Province, Taouz
Cerussite
Morocco
Meknès-Tafilalet Region, Er Rachidia Province, Taouz, Bouzougar
Cerussite
Morocco
Meknès-Tafilalet Region, Khénifra Province, Midelt, Upper Moulouya lead district, Mibladene (Mibladén; Mibladan; Miblanden)
The cerussite specimens from Mibladen locality are usually distinctive in that they are associated with bladed barite which can range in color from almost white to pink to brick red. The locality has produced thousand of cerussite specimens and some of the specimens are very fine and although some of the specimens shown here are good, a really great one is not yet in our gallery. The cerussite specimens from here are often of a rounded pyramidal shape and get as large as perhaps 10cm?
Cerussite
Morocco
Meknès-Tafilalet Region, Khénifra Province, Midelt, Upper Moulouya lead district, Mibladene (Mibladén; Mibladan; Miblanden), ACF Mine (incl. Coud'a shaft; Coudia shaft)
Cerussite
Morocco
Meknès-Tafilalet Region, Khénifra Province, Midelt, Upper Moulouya lead district, Mibladene (Mibladén; Mibladan; Miblanden), Mibladen Mine
Cerussite
Morocco
Oriental Region, Oujda-Angad Province, Touissit District
Touissit has produced some spectacular cerussite specimens but most collectors might agree that they don't rival the best cerussite specimens from Tsumeb.
Cerussite
Morocco
Oriental Region, Oujda-Angad Province, Touissit District, Touissit
Cerussite
Morocco
Oriental Region, Oujda-Angad Province, Touissit District, Touissit, Bou Bekker (Bou Becker)
Cerussite
Morocco
Oriental Region, Oujda-Angad Province, Touissit District, Touissit, Ourd Mekta Mine
Cerussite
Morocco
Oriental Region, Oujda-Angad Province, Touissit District, Touissit, Pit No. 9
Cerussite
Morocco
Oriental Region, Oujda-Angad Province, Touissit District, Touissit, Zelidja Mine (Zellidja Mine)
Cerussite
Namibia
Karas Region, Lüderitz District, Rosh Pinah, Rosh Pinah Mine
Cerussite
Namibia
Kunene Region, Kaokoveld Plateau, Okatumba
Cerussite
Namibia
Otjikoto (Oshikoto) Region, Tsumeb
Cerussite
Namibia
Otjikoto (Oshikoto) Region, Tsumeb, Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine)
IMHO the Cerussite specimens from Tsumeb, Namibia are probably the finest in the world. The crystals from Tsumeb are generally more shiny and transparent than those from their Australian rivals, and many more of them were preserved than those from Broken Hill Australia. The lead in photo for this article shows one of the reticulated clusters that came out in the 1980s. On one of my first trips to Tsumeb I was able to buy a number of these from Sid Peters in Windhoek who ran perhaps the best known and largest rock shops/mineral shops in Namibia. He also had two or three of them that were about 30 cm across that were fabulous things, but were substantially beyond anything I could afford to buy, especially since I was on my way up to Tsumeb. If I had bought one of them, I would have had nothing left to buy things in Tsumeb with. I have often wondered If I should have bought them and turned around and gone home with them. Crystals of 60 cm are reported.
[Rock Currier 2011]
Cerussite
Namibia
Otjozondjupa Region, Grootfontein District, Kombat, Kombat Mine
The Kombat mine did not produce a lot of cerussite specimens when compared to Tsumeb, but it did produce a few V twins of amazing transparency and luster. We do not have any of these pictured in our gallery yet.
Cerussite
New Zealand
North Island, Te Aroha, Tui Mine
Cerussite
Poland
Malopolskie, Olkusz District, Olkusz, Olkusz Mine
Cerussite
Republic of Congo (Brazzaville)
Kouilou Department, Mvouti District, Mvouti (M'Fouati)
Cerussite
Republic of Congo (Brazzaville)
Pool Region, Mindouli, Sanda Mine
Cerussite
Russia
Eastern-Siberian Region, Transbaikalia (Zabaykalye), Chitinskaya Oblast', Nerchinsk (Nertschinsk)
Cerussite
Spain
Andalusia, Jaén, Linares-La Carolina District, Linares
Cerussite
Spain
Murcia, Sierra de Cartagena, Cartagena
Cerussite
Sweden
Dalarna, Hedemora, Garpenberg
Cerussite
Tunisia
Al Kåf (El Kef; Le Kef) Governorate, Tajerouine, Slata Pb-Zn deposit, Sidi Amor ben Salem Mine
Cerussite
Tunisia
Ressas Touireuf, Ressas Touireuf Mine
Cerussite
UK
England, Co. Durham, North Pennines, Weardale, Rookhope District, Redburn Mine
Cerussite
UK
England, Co. Durham, North Pennines, Weardale, Stanhope, Stanhopeburn Mine
Cerussite
UK
England, Co. Durham, North Pennines, Weardale, Westgate, Park Burn Opencut
Cerussite
UK
England, Cornwall, Wadebridge District, Area West of Wadebridge, St Minver, Pentire Glaze Mine
Cerussite
UK
England, North Yorkshire, North Pennines, Swaledale, Reeth, Old Gang Mines, Brandy Bottle Incline (Brandybottle Mine)
Cerussite
UK
England, Somerset, Cranmore, Torr Works Quarry (Merehead Quarry)
Cerussite
UK
Scotland, Strathclyde (Lanarkshire), South Lanarkshire, Leadhills
Cerussite
UK
Wales, Ceredigion (Dyfed; Cardiganshire), Ysbyty Ystwyth, Llwynmalus Mine (West Lisburn Mine)
Cerussite
USA
Arizona, Cochise Co., Chiricahua Mts, California District, Rustler Park, Hilltop Mine (Hand Mine; Kasper tunnel; Gray Mine; Dunn shaft; Blacksmith shaft; Rhem adit)
Cerussite
USA
Arizona, Cochise Co., Dragoon Mts, Turquoise District (Courtland-Gleeson District), Gleeson, Costello Mine group (Costello claims), Silver Bill Mine
Cerussite
USA
Arizona, Cochise Co., Mule Mts, Warren District, Bisbee, Campbell Mine (Campbell shaft)
Cerussite
USA
Arizona, Cochise Co., Mule Mts, Warren District, Bisbee, Cole Mine (Cole shaft; Cole No. 3)
You rarely see one of these specimens today. The one on the left is from the collection of John Sinkankas.
Cerussite
USA
Arizona, Gila Co., Dripping Spring Mts, Banner District, Hayden area, Chilito, 79 Mine (79th Mine; Seventy-Nine Mine; Seventy-Nine property; McHur prospect)
Cerussite
USA
Arizona, Graham Co., Aravaipa District, Santa Teresa Mts, Klondyke, Grand Reef Mountain, Laurel Canyon, Grand Reef Mine (Aravaipa Mine; Lead Jewel; Joe Rubal Mine; Vivian Mine; Calistoga Mining & Development Co. Mine; Bringham Silver and Lead Mine)
Cerussite
USA
Arizona, Maricopa Co., Wickenburg, Wickenburg - East of, S and O claims (Amethyst Hill)
Cerussite
USA
Arizona, Pima Co., Tucson Mts, Amole District, Saguaro National Monument, Old Yuma Mine (Yuma Mine)
Cerussite
USA
Arizona, Pinal Co., Mammoth District, Tiger, St. Anthony deposit, Mammoth-Saint Anthony Mine (Mammoth-St Anthony Mine; Mammoth Mine; St. Anthony Mine)
The mine at Tiger was famous cerussite specimens. At one time they were very abundant. George Burnham, a mineral dealer in Monrovia, California who was active during the 50s and 60s once told me that he went to Tiger in the 50s and bought the collection of the mines assayer and came away with thousands of cerussite specimens. He towed a trailer behind his car back to Monrovia that was full of them.
[Rock Currier 2011]
Cerussite
USA
Arizona, Santa Cruz Co., Patagonia Mts, Harshaw District, Alum Gulch, Flux Gulch, Flux Mine (Goshen Mine)
The flux mine is well known to collectors in the USA for its fine and abundant specimens of "jack straw" cerussite. Dick Jones told me of a collecting trip he made there during the 60s where he came away with about 400 flats full of specimens. The mine was a silver mine and in one stope which was rich in this type of cerussite, the miners ignored it because it carried little or no silver values. A generation later Stan Esbenshade and others reworked the mine and came away with a letter hoard of nice specimens.
[Rock Currier 2011]
Cerussite
USA
Arizona, Yuma Co., Castle Dome Mts, Castle Dome District, Kofa Game Range, Castle Dome Mine group, Buckeye vein group, Hull Mine group (Rialto Mine group; Hull group of claims; Rialto claims), Hull Mine
Cerussite
USA
California, Inyo Co., Darwin District, Darwin
Cerussite
USA
California, San Bernardino Co., Bird Nest drift
Cerussite
USA
Colorado, Clear Creek Co., Georgetown District, Santiago Mine
Cerussite
USA
Colorado, Lake Co., Leadville District, Leadville
Cerussite
USA
Colorado, Lake Co., Leadville District, Leadville, Iowa Gulch, Black Cloud Mine (Resurrection Mine 0080650339; Yak Tunnel; Leadville Unit; Irene Shaft)
Cerussite
USA
Colorado, Mineral Co., Creede District, Amethyst Vein, Amethyst Mine
Cerussite
USA
Idaho, Shoshone Co.
Cerussite
USA
Idaho, Shoshone Co., Coeur d'Alene District
Cerussite
USA
USA, Idaho, Shoshone Co., Coeur d'Alene District, Canyon Creek, Hercules Mine
Cerussite
USA
Idaho, Shoshone Co., Coeur d'Alene District, Kellogg
Cerussite
USA
Idaho, Shoshone Co., Coeur d'Alene District, Kellogg, Bunker Hill Properties
Cerussite
USA
Idaho, Shoshone Co., Coeur d'Alene District, Kellogg, Bunker Hill Properties, Bunker Hill Mine (Tyler; Stemwinder; Bunker Hill and Sullivan; Bunker Chance Mine)
Cerussite
USA
Idaho, Shoshone Co., Prichard Creek, Monarch Mine (Barton; Coeur D'Alene North Fork)
In 1978 Bob Bartsch discovered a pocket of cerussite in this mine which he invited me to help dig. He even built me a ladder to help get my not inconsiderable back side up into the stope so I could comfortably work on the pocket. In my my mind this mine has produced some of the best cerussite specimens in the USA. When we left the pocket was still running and to my knowledge is probably still there for others to collect if they wish.
[Rock Currier]
Cerussite
USA
Missouri, Jasper Co., Tri-State District, Joplin Field, Lone Elm mine
Cerussite
USA
Missouri, Madison Co., Fredericktown District, Fredericktown, Catherine Mine
Cerussite
USA
Montana, Missoula Co., Keystone Mine
Cerussite
USA
New Mexico, Doña Ana Co., Organ District, Stevenson-Bennett Mine (Stephenson-Bennett Mine)
Cerussite
USA
New Mexico, Grant Co., Georgetown District, Georgetown
Cerussite
USA
North Carolina, Davidson Co.
These are really old time specimens and you rarely if ever see any of them for sale.
Cerussite
USA
Pennsylvania, Chester Co., Schuylkill Township, Phoenixville Mining District, Wheatley Mines
The mine is better know to collectors for the fine Pyromorphite specimens that it produced, but it did produce some nice cerussite specimens as well.
Cerussite
USA
Utah, Beaver Co., Star Range, Star and North Star Districts, Milford, Harrington-Hickory Mine (Rocky; The Gomer Shaft)
Cerussite
USA
Utah, Juab Co., East Tintic Mts, Tintic District, Grand Central Mine
Cerussite
USA
Utah, Salt Lake Co., Oquirrh Mts, Bingham District (West Mountain District), Dalton Mine
Cerussite
USA
Utah, Salt Lake Co., Wasatch Mts, Little Cottonwood District (Alta District), Flagstaff Mine (Mineral Veins Coalition Mining Company)
Cerussite
USA
Utah, Salt Lake Co., Wasatch Mts, Little Cottonwood District (Alta District), Little Cottonwood Canyon, Alta
Cerussite
USA
Utah, Tooele Co., Oquirrh Mts, Ophir District, Ophir Hill area, Hidden Treasure Mine (Sacramento; Chicago)
Cerussite
Zambia
Central Province, Kabwe (Broken Hill)
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Edited 37 time(s). Last edit at 09/24/2011 10:51PM by Rock Currier.
Can you help make this a better article? What good localities have we missed? Can you supply pictures of better specimens than those we show here? Can you give us more and better information about the specimens from these localities? Can you supply better geological or historical information on these localities? After each set of pictures there should be some descriptive text. If none appears it means that we need someone to tell us about the specimens from that locality and something about the geology of the occurrence.
Cerussite
PbCO3 Orthorhombic
 | |
| Tsumeb Mine, Namibia 12 cm | © Rob Lavinsky |
Mindat currently lists something 3900 localities for cerussite (2011) so you can see that is is not a rare mineral, but out of that number surprising few localities have produced specimens deemed worth of inclusion here. Some feel that Broken Hill, Australia have produced the best specimens of cerussite, but due to the rough and tumbled life of that early mining camp, very few were preserved. Generally collectors today rate the specimens from Tsumeb, Namibia to be the best in the world, the crystals from this locality are of a large number of habits and are generally more glassy and shiny than their Australian competitors. Glassy clear crystals from Tsumeb have been found up to 60 cm.1 Good specimens have been found at European localities, but for the most part they have been overshadowed by more recent finds. The United States has produced some respectable specimens, but regretfully few compared to the best from Tsumeb. Numerous fine cerussite crystals on red bladed balls of barite were found during the late 1900's. from Mibladen, Morocco as well as fine crystallized specimens from Touissit. Specimens have been sold for more than 10K dollars but it is doubtful that any have been sold form more than 100K, though it is possible. Cerussite is a very heat sensitive mineral and I have heard of specimens shattering if subjected to freezing temperatures. I have not heard of any that have suffered damage by exposure to hot lighting in a display case, though I would be reluctant to subject them to such conditions. Cerussite is sometimes cut into faceted stones for collectors of rare gems, but though its dispersion is amazing in a cut stone, it is a very soft stone and is not practical for jewelry. The largest cut stone must be more than 100 carats. Certainly larger clean stones are possible.
1. Mineralogical Record 1977, Vol 8, No.3 p21.
Cerussite is the most stable common lead mineral produced by weathering of galena bearing lead deposits. The majority of these deposits are of hydrothermal origin, but they also have been found in contact metamorphic deposits, Kuroko and Mississippi Valley type deposits. In the early phases of mining these lead deposits, masses of cerussite could be found in large enough amounts to become ore.
Cerussite is found as massive material, single crystals, V shaped twins and reticulated groups of twinned crystals are common. The "jackstraw" habit consists of numerous randomly oriented elongated crystals. Perhaps the best known locality for this "jackstraw" type, at least in the US are those specimens from the Flux mine, in Arizona.
[David Von Bargen & Rock Currier 2011]
Cerussite
Australia
New South Wales, Yancowinna Co., Broken Hill
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| Cerussite ~9cm wide | © |
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| Cerussite 6cm tall | © Knut Eldjarn |
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| Cerussite 6 cm wide | © Antonio Borrelli |
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| Cerussite, jackstraw variety 10cm wide | © 2003 John H. Betts |
The largest mass of cerussite was found in the Central mine as a mass several meters across consisting of reticulated white crystals. Generally crystals were white, but clear, cream, gray, wine-yellow, yellow-brown, smoky brown crystals are known. Some were also coated with yellow or bronze films. Reticulated groups up to 30cm were recovered of which the first image above is a bit over 30 cm tall. This specimen, perhaps the best Australian cerussite to survive from the early days is in the Australian Museum in Sidney. Almost all Australian cerussite specimens show some damage. It is a bad image and in the future someone will upload a better picture if it. Also "arrowhead" twins up to 15cm were common. Long tapering crystals (swords) were found at the British mine. An excellent description of the various types of Cerussite specimen found at Broken Hill was written by C.W. marsh in 1897 Another excellent description of the cerussite specimens this famous locality produced was by George Smith in his Mineralogy of New South Wales published in 1926 by the New South Wales department of mines in their Mineral Resources bulletin #34. Here among other observations he says " Among the earlier discoveries the finest crystals were the long prismatic variety which projected from their base like miniature swords, and were seen in great perfection in the British mine. Smaller intermediate crystals completed the groups which were then of the greatest beauty and being generally deposited in roomy vugs they were all terminated when they did not reach across the openings they were found in. It was difficult to secure these splendid objects intact: they could only be removed with the utmost care in a manner which the circumstance of those days did not permit. It is doubtful if any of this type in an undamaged condition have been seen outside of Broken Hill." This means that there just were not suitable boxes and packing materials to preserve the specimens that were collected. Also many cerussite specimens from Broken hill are coated with small anglesite crystals.
[David Von Bargen & Rock Currier 2011]
Cerussite
Australia
Australia, New South Wales, Yancowinna Co., Broken Hill, Broken Hill Proprietary Mine (Proprietary Mine; BHP Mine)
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| Cerussite ~12cm tall | © |
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| Cerussite ~15cm wide | © |
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| Cerussite 5.6cm wide | © Keith Compton |
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| Cerussite weighs 54.5kgs | © Jon Mommers |
Cerussite
Australia
New South Wales, Yancowinna Co., Broken Hill, Broken Hill South Mine (BHS Mine)
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| Cerussite 10cm wide | © Greg Murray |
Cerussite
Australia
New South Wales, Yancowinna Co., Broken Hill, Kintore Opencut
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| Cerussite after Anglesite ~9cm wide | © Greg Murray |
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| Cerussite & Anglesite 7cm wide | © Rob Lavinsky |
Cerussite
Australia
Northern Territory, Batchelor, Rum Jungle, Brown's Prospect
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| Cerussite on Malachite 5.4cm wide | © JSS |
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| Cerussite on Malachite 7cm tall | © Lavinsky |
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| Cerussite on Malachite with Pyromorphite 3.2cm wide | © |
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| Cerussite on Malachite 7cm wide | © Greg Andrew |
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| Cerussite on Malachite 9.5cm wide | © Greg Andrew |
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| Cerussite on Malachite ~10cm wide | © |
This was/is a small base metal deposit which was found outcropping on the surface near the little town of Batchelor. In the early days specimens were collected from the surface and shallow trenches though there was generally more Malachite than cerussite or Pyromorphite. Locals came out from Batchelor during some of the early digs and brought home specimens even though they didn't know much about minerals. In 1973 I visited Browns Prospect and you could collect specimens just laying around on the surface. In an hour I picked up enough green lumps to fill up a bag and back in my hotel washed them off and about one out of three was an acceptable specimen some of which I still have today. The deposit also produced a few interesting Pyromorphite pseudomorphs after Cerussite. When big trucks ran past on the road, the ground trembled. The whole deposit seemed to be a limonite gossan shot through with cavities and mineralized with malachite, cerussite and some Pyromorphite. Recently the deposit has been mined and many specimens have been recovered.
[Rock Currier 2011]
Cerussite
Australia
Queensland, Mt Isa - Cloncurry area, Mount Isa district
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| Cerussite ?cm wide | © 2002 Thames Valley Minerals |
Cerussite
Australia
Queensland, Mt Isa Mine, Black Star Open Cut
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| Cerussite & pale blue Plumbophyllite 3 cm | © Constantinides |
This is a major lead zinc mine, but was not renowned for producing many secondary minerals, except pyromorphite, but a zone of fine reticulated cerussite was found in about 2005.
Cerussite
Australia
Tasmania, Rosebery district, Williamsford, Mt Read, Hercules Mine
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| Cerussite 4cm wide | © R Bottrill 2006 |
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| Cerussite FOV ~3cm wide | © R. Bottrill 2006 |
Cerussite
Australia
Tasmania, Waratah district, Magnet, Magnet Mine
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| Cerussite 4.1cm tall | © Weinrich Minerals |
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| Cerussite 1.9cm wide | © Keith Compton |
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| Cerussite FOV 1cm | © Steve Sorrell |
Cerussite
Australia
Tasmania, Zeehan district, Dundas mineral field
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| Cerussite 4cm wide | © Mark Rheinberger09 |
Cerussite
Australia
Tasmania, Zeehan District, Dundas mineral field, Adelaide Mine (Adelaide Pty Mine; Adelaide Proprietary Mine)
Cerussite
Australia
Tasmania, Zeehan District, Dundas mineral field, Comet Maestries Mine
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| Cerussite 12 cm tall | © Andrew Tuma |
Cerussite
Australia
Tasmania, Zeehan district, Dundas mineral field, West Comet Mine
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| Cerussite & Crocoite 5.9cm tall | © Rob Lavinsky |
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| Cerussite 3cm wide | © R. Bottrill |
Cerussite
Australia
Tasmania, Zeehan district, North Dundas, Kapi Mine
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| Cerussite 3.9cm tall | © Keith Compton |
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| Cerussite 7.8cm tall | © Rob Lavinsky |
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| Cerussite 7cm wide | © Greg Andrew |
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| Cerussite 4.8cm wide | © Rob Lavinsky |
Cerussite
Brazil
Bahia
Cerussite
Canada
British Columbia, Fort Steele Mining Division, Moyie, Society Girl Mine
Cerussite
Canada
Yukon Territory, Mayo Mining District, Keno Hill
Cerussite
China
Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guilin Prefecture, Gongcheng Co., Daoping Mine (Tangping Mine)
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| Cerussite 4.6cm tall | © Rob Lavinsky |
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| Cerussite 3.4cm wide | © fabreminerals.com |
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| Cerussite & Pyromorphite 5.1cm wide | © Rob Lavinsky |
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| Cerussite 6cm tall | © Rob Lavinsky |
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| Cerussite 2.5cm tall | © C. Stefano '09 |
Cerussite
China
Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guilin Prefecture, Yangshuo Co.
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| Cerussite 2.1cm wide | © Jiangbin |
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| Cerussite 3.2cm tall | © Jiangbin |
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| Cerussite 4.8cm wide | © Jiangbin |
Cerussite
China
Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guilin Prefecture, Yangshuo Co., Yangshuo Mine
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| Cerussite 2.8cm tall | © Safaa Yu |
Cerussite
China
Hunan Province, Chenzhou Prefecture
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| Cerussite 10.1cm wide | © 2002 John H. Betts |
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| Cerussite 3cm wide | © 2002 John H. Betts |
Cerussite
Czech Republic
Bohemia (Böhmen; Boehmen), Central Bohemia Region, Príbram
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| Cerussite 3cm wide | © G. van der Veldt |
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| Cerussite 4.5cm wide | © Rob Lavinsky |
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| Cerussite ~7cm wide? | © A.Tomek |
Cerussite
Czech Republic
Bohemia (Böhmen; Boehmen), Plzen Region, Stríbro (Mies)
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| Cerussite on Galena 5cm wide | © Rob Lavinsky |
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| Cerussite on Galena 5.2cm wide | © Rob Lavinsky |
Cerussite
Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaïre)
Katanga (Shaba), Kengere, Kengere Mine
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| Cerussite 5.1cm wide | © JSS |
Cerussite
Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaïre)
Katanga (Shaba), Kipushi, Kipushi Mine (Prince Léopold Mine)
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| Cerussite on Malachite 6.4cm wide | © Paul De Bondt |
Cerussite
France
Alsace, Champ Brècheté
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| A 7mm twinned Cerussite crystal | © Thierry Brunsperger |
Cerussite
France
Auvergne, Puy-de-Dôme, Pontgibaud, Saint-Pierre-le-Chastel, Roure
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| Cerussite on Galena 8cm wide | © Alain TUEL |
Cerussite
France
Languedoc-Roussillon, Lozère, Marvejols, St Léger-de-Peyre, Ste Lucie Mine
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| Cerussite 2.8cm wide | © Rob Lavinsky |
Cerussite
France
Rhône-Alpes, Ardèche, Mayres, Lescure Mine
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| Cerussite 8cm wide | © Jacques Malassé |
Cerussite
Germany
Baden-Württemberg, Black Forest, Badenweiler, Badenweiler Pb mining District
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| Cerussite 8cm tall | © Rob Lavinsky |
Cerussite
Germany
Baden-Württemberg, Black Forest, Wolfach, Oberwolfach, Rankach valley, Clara Mine
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| Cerussite FOV 3.5mm | © O. Dziallas |
Cerussite
Germany
North Rhine-Westphalia, Eifel Mts, Mechernich, Kommern, Griesberg, Gottessegen open pit
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| Cerussite 6cm wide | © Leon Hupperichs |
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| Cerussite, close up of left | © Leon Hupperichs |
Cerussite
Germany
North Rhine-Westphalia, Sauerland, Meschede, Ramsbeck, Juno Mine
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| Cerussite 9.6cm tall | © KrauklMinerals |
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| Cerussite 5.2cm tall | © KrauklMinerals |
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| Cerussite 8.6cm tall | © KrauklMinerals |
Cerussite
Germany
North Rhine-Westphalia, Siegerland
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| Cerussite 3.8cm tall | © Weinrich Minerals, Inc. |
Cerussite
Germany
Rhineland-Palatinate, Eifel Mts, Prüm, Bleialf, Neue Hoffnung Mine, Bertha shaft
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| Cerussite FOV 5cm wide | © C.H.M. Schäfer |
Cerussite
Germany
Rhineland-Palatinate, Lahn valley, Bad Ems District
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| Cerussite 5.8cm wide | © Edwards Minerals |
Cerussite
Germany
Rhineland-Palatinate, Lahn valley, Bad Ems District, Braubach
Cerussite
Germany
Rhineland-Palatinate, Lahn valley, Bad Ems District, Frücht, Friedrichssegen Mine
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| Cerussite 4.3cm wide | © Edwards Minerals |
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| Cerussite ~4cm tall | © |
Cerussite
Greece
Attikí (Attica; Attika) Prefecture, Lavrion (Laurion; Laurium) District, Lavrion District Mines, Lavrion (Laurion; Laurium)
Cerussite
Greece
Attikí (Attica; Attika) Prefecture, Lavrion (Laurion; Laurium) District, Lavrion District Mines, Plaka, Plaka Mines, Adami No. 02 Mine ("Adayir" Mine) & Others
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| Cerussite FOV 1.5cm | © F.Schreiber |
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| Cerussite FOV 6mm | © F.Schreiber |
Cerussite
Iran
Esfahan Province (Isfahan Province; Aspadana Province), Anarak District, Chah Milleh (Chah-Mileh; Tchah-Mille), Chah Milleh Mine (Chah Mileh Mine; Tchah-Mille Mine)
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| Cerussite 8.8cm tall | © Christian Bracke |
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| Cerussite 2.8cm wide | © Rob Lavinsky |
Cerussite
Iran
Esfahan Province (Isfahan Province; Aspadana Province), Anarak District, Madan-e Nakhlak (Ma'dan-e-Nahlak), Nakhlak Mine (Nekhlak Mine)
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| Cerussite ~6cm wide | © |
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| Cerussite 3.2cm wide | © 2001 John H. Betts |
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| Cerussite 3.5cm wide | © 2001 John H. Betts |
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| Cerussite & Wulfenite 4cm wide | © 2001 John H. Betts |
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| Cerussite 7cm wide | © Russell G. Rizzo |
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| Cerussite 4cm tall | © Russell G. Rizzo |
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| Cerussite & Wulfenite ~6cm wide | © |
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| Cerussite 3.6cm wide | © Jasun McAvoy |
In 1977 the Nakhlak Mine was still a producing mine whose main ore was Galena. It was not a large mine and as I recall the hoist was not operating and we had to walk down to the stopes perhaps 150 feet below to reach the first main level of the mine.The mine served double duty as a teaching facility for mining engineers. The students were broken up into groups. One group would study and work at timbering for a while and another would work at drilling and blasting and another at geology etc and periodically the groups would rotate to a subject new to them. The mine had been around a long time and and up in the hills, were many rat holes that I was told dated from the era of the great Persian kings 2500 years ago. When I was there I was able to collect some very nice small specimens of Cerussite, some of which had tiny red Wulfenites associated with them. In one stope/tunnel there was a cleft up in the ceiling that was lined as far as my mine lamp would shine with small clusters of cerussite crystals up to perhaps 2cm. The floor of the tunnel/stope was broken rock mixed with perhaps 10% cerussite crystals (broken of course). If I would have known then what I know today I would have tried to stick around for a week or two and work a deal with the mine management to do a little mining just for the cerussite crystals. In another part of the mine, in a haulage way I found a dust covered pocket of cerussite crystals and was able to collect out of it a very respectable small cerussite specimen. This haulage way had been around a long time. It had a cement trough in it that was used to channel water. I often thought of going back, but about six months after my visit, the Shaw got kicked out and Americans have not been welcome back since that time.
[Rock Currier 2011]
Cerussite
Iran
Yazd Province, Bafq (Bafgh), Taj Kuh Mine
The Taj Kuh is a small mine and a visit there in 1977 showed that the main ore was hand sorted galena. They were operating with out an on site geologist and access to the mine was via. a little head frame and a bucket. The miners rode the bucket down and the ore back up. Sometimes in the center of the galena lumps would be pockets of cerussite crystals. I didn't have much luck in the mine, but a miner brought me a plastic sack full broken twinned cerussite crystals including the one pictured here. I was told that there was a man in Tehran that had one that weighed several kgs. I was also able to collect two nice small specimens of Hemimorphite on the dump.
[Rock Currier 2011]
Cerussite
Ireland
Co. Galway, Killimor, Tynagh Mine
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| Cerussite 5cm wide | © Michael C. Roarke |
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| Cerussite 8.5cm tall | © Dan Weinrich |
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| Cerussite 3.5cm wide | © Crystal Vine |
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| Cerussite 7cm wide | © Stephen Moreton |
Cerussite
Italy
Lombardy, Bergamo Province, Brembana Valley, Dossena, Paglio Pignolino Mine
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| Cerussite 12cm tall | © Chinellato Matteo |
Cerussite
Italy
Sardinia, Cagliari Province
Cerussite
Italy
Sardinia, Carbonia-Iglesias Province, Domusnovas, Oridda, Sa Duchessa Mine
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| 2mm Cerussite twinned "star" | © Antonio Gamboni |
Cerussite
Italy
Sardinia, Carbonia-Iglesias Province, Iglesias, Monteponi Mine
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| Cerussite 4cm wide | © Marco Barsanti |
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| Cerussite 4.5cm wide | © Marco Barsanti |
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| Cerussite 4.9cm tall | © fabreminerals.com |
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| Cerussite after Phosgenite ~6cm tall | © |
Cerussite
Italy
Sardinia, Medio Campidano Province, Arbus, Montevecchio Mines
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| Cerussite 11cm wide | © D. Preite |
Cerussite
Mexico
Chihuahua, Mun. de Ahumada, Los Lamentos Mts (Sierra de Los Lamentos)
Cerussite after Anglesite
Mexico
Chihuahua, Mun. de Aquiles Serdán, Santa Eulalia District, West Camp, Francisco Portillo, La Purísima Mine
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| Cerussite & Anglesite @ Galena 5.8cm tall | © Rob Lavinsky |
These specimens are quite rare.
Cerussite
Morocco
Meknès-Tafilalet Region, Er Rachidia Province, Taouz
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| Cerussite 7.8cm wide | © Rob Lavinsky |
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| Cerussite 4.1cm tall | © Weinrich |
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| Cerussite 3.4cm tall | © Kristalle and Crys |
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| Cerussite 4.4cm tall | © Christian Bracke |
Cerussite
Morocco
Meknès-Tafilalet Region, Er Rachidia Province, Taouz, Bouzougar
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| Cerussite on Quartz 6cm tall | © fabreminerals.com |
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| Cerussite 8.7cm tall | © fabreminerals.com |
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| Cerussite 6.3cm wide | © fabreminerals.com |
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| Cerussite twin ~3.5cm wide | © Tony Peterson |
Cerussite
Morocco
Meknès-Tafilalet Region, Khénifra Province, Midelt, Upper Moulouya lead district, Mibladene (Mibladén; Mibladan; Miblanden)
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| Cerussite 4cm tall | © Paul Bongaerts |
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| Cerussite 3.9cm wide | © Michael C. Roarke |
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| Cerussite 5.8cm wide | © G. van der Veldt |
The cerussite specimens from Mibladen locality are usually distinctive in that they are associated with bladed barite which can range in color from almost white to pink to brick red. The locality has produced thousand of cerussite specimens and some of the specimens are very fine and although some of the specimens shown here are good, a really great one is not yet in our gallery. The cerussite specimens from here are often of a rounded pyramidal shape and get as large as perhaps 10cm?
Cerussite
Morocco
Meknès-Tafilalet Region, Khénifra Province, Midelt, Upper Moulouya lead district, Mibladene (Mibladén; Mibladan; Miblanden), ACF Mine (incl. Coud'a shaft; Coudia shaft)
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| Cerussite & Barite 4.3cm wide | © fabreminerals.com |
Cerussite
Morocco
Meknès-Tafilalet Region, Khénifra Province, Midelt, Upper Moulouya lead district, Mibladene (Mibladén; Mibladan; Miblanden), Mibladen Mine
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| Cerussite & Barite 4cm tall | © 2001 John H. Betts |
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| Cerussite 4cm | © 2002 John H. Betts |
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| Cerussite & Barite 9cm wide | © jdehaye |
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| Cerussite on Barite 4cm wide | © Martins da Pedra |
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| Cerussite & Barite 4cm wide | © 2002 John H. Betts |
Cerussite
Morocco
Oriental Region, Oujda-Angad Province, Touissit District
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| Cerussite 4.3cm | © fabreminerals.com |
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| Cerussite 6.8cm tall | © Kristalle and Crys |
Touissit has produced some spectacular cerussite specimens but most collectors might agree that they don't rival the best cerussite specimens from Tsumeb.
Cerussite
Morocco
Oriental Region, Oujda-Angad Province, Touissit District, Touissit
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| Cerussite 6cm tall | © 2002 John H. Betts |
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| Cerussite 3.2cm tall | © Edwards Minerals |
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| Cerussite "V-twin" 3.5cm wide | © Rob Lavinsky |
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| Cerussite 5.2cm wide | © finestminerals.com |
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| Cerussite 5.4cm wide | © CCURTO12 |
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| Cerussite 3cm wide | © Rob Lavinsky |
Cerussite
Morocco
Oriental Region, Oujda-Angad Province, Touissit District, Touissit, Bou Bekker (Bou Becker)
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| Cerussite on Malachite 5.3cm wide | © Fabre |
Cerussite
Morocco
Oriental Region, Oujda-Angad Province, Touissit District, Touissit, Ourd Mekta Mine
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| Cerussite 4.8cm tall | © fabreminerals.com |
Cerussite
Morocco
Oriental Region, Oujda-Angad Province, Touissit District, Touissit, Pit No. 9
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| Cerussite 3.8cm wide | © fabreminerals.com |
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| Cerussite 6cm wide | © fabreminerals.com |
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| Cerussite on Galena 5.6cm wide | © fabreminerals.com |
Cerussite
Morocco
Oriental Region, Oujda-Angad Province, Touissit District, Touissit, Zelidja Mine (Zellidja Mine)
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| Cerussite on Galena 5.9cm wide | © CCURTO09 |
Cerussite
Namibia
Karas Region, Lüderitz District, Rosh Pinah, Rosh Pinah Mine
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| Cerussite 2cm wide | © Gerhard W. Louw |
Cerussite
Namibia
Kunene Region, Kaokoveld Plateau, Okatumba
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| Cerussite & Malachite 6cm wide | © Rob Lavinsky |
Cerussite
Namibia
Otjikoto (Oshikoto) Region, Tsumeb
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| Cerussite 5.9cm tall | © Rob Lavinsky |
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| Cerussite 6.8cm tall | © Rob Lavinsky |
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| Cerussite 5.7cm wide | © Rob Lavinsky |
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| Cerussite on Duftite 4.3cm wide | © Rob Lavinsky |
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| Cerussite 3 cm tall | © Rob Lavinsky |
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| Cerussite 3.5 cm wide | © Rob Lavinsky |
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| Cerussite 3.9cm wide | © Rob Lavinsky |
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| Cerussite on Mimetite & Malachite 5.7cm | © Lavinsky |
Cerussite
Namibia
Otjikoto (Oshikoto) Region, Tsumeb, Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine)
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| Cerussite 3.5cm wide | © 2002 John H. Betts |
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| Cerussite 6cm | © namibiaminerals |
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| Cerussite 9.6cm wide | © Rob Lavinsky |
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| Cerussite & Dioptase 5cm wide | © Rob Lavinsky |
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| Cerussite 7.5cm tall | © Rob Lavinsky |
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| Cerussite 5.9cm tall | © Rob Lavinsky |
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| Cerussite 3.2cm wide | © Rob Lavinsky |
IMHO the Cerussite specimens from Tsumeb, Namibia are probably the finest in the world. The crystals from Tsumeb are generally more shiny and transparent than those from their Australian rivals, and many more of them were preserved than those from Broken Hill Australia. The lead in photo for this article shows one of the reticulated clusters that came out in the 1980s. On one of my first trips to Tsumeb I was able to buy a number of these from Sid Peters in Windhoek who ran perhaps the best known and largest rock shops/mineral shops in Namibia. He also had two or three of them that were about 30 cm across that were fabulous things, but were substantially beyond anything I could afford to buy, especially since I was on my way up to Tsumeb. If I had bought one of them, I would have had nothing left to buy things in Tsumeb with. I have often wondered If I should have bought them and turned around and gone home with them. Crystals of 60 cm are reported.
[Rock Currier 2011]
Cerussite
Namibia
Otjozondjupa Region, Grootfontein District, Kombat, Kombat Mine
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| Cerussite 5.8cm wide | © Rob Lavinsky |
The Kombat mine did not produce a lot of cerussite specimens when compared to Tsumeb, but it did produce a few V twins of amazing transparency and luster. We do not have any of these pictured in our gallery yet.
Cerussite
New Zealand
North Island, Te Aroha, Tui Mine
Cerussite
Poland
Malopolskie, Olkusz District, Olkusz, Olkusz Mine
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| Cerussite on Galena 3.7cm tall | © Weinrich |
Cerussite
Republic of Congo (Brazzaville)
Kouilou Department, Mvouti District, Mvouti (M'Fouati)
Cerussite
Republic of Congo (Brazzaville)
Pool Region, Mindouli, Sanda Mine
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| Cerussite 4.2cm tall | © Dan & Diana Weinrich Minerals |
Cerussite
Russia
Eastern-Siberian Region, Transbaikalia (Zabaykalye), Chitinskaya Oblast', Nerchinsk (Nertschinsk)
Cerussite
Spain
Andalusia, Jaén, Linares-La Carolina District, Linares
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| Cerussite 5cm wide | © CCURTO08 |
Cerussite
Spain
Murcia, Sierra de Cartagena, Cartagena
Cerussite
Sweden
Dalarna, Hedemora, Garpenberg
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| Cerussite 6cm wide | © Weinrich Minerals, Inc. |
Cerussite
Tunisia
Al Kåf (El Kef; Le Kef) Governorate, Tajerouine, Slata Pb-Zn deposit, Sidi Amor ben Salem Mine
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| Cerussite 5.2cm tall | © Weinrich Minerals, Inc. |
Cerussite
Tunisia
Ressas Touireuf, Ressas Touireuf Mine
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| Cerussite 5.2cm tall | © Rob Lavinsky |
Cerussite
UK
England, Co. Durham, North Pennines, Weardale, Rookhope District, Redburn Mine
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| Cerussite "jack straws" 5cm wide | © Don Rust |
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| Cerussite "jack straws" to 4cm | © Ian Jones |
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| Cerussite 4cm wide | © Weardale Rocks 200 |
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| Cerussite 5.5cm wide | © HW |
Cerussite
UK
England, Co. Durham, North Pennines, Weardale, Stanhope, Stanhopeburn Mine
Cerussite
UK
England, Co. Durham, North Pennines, Weardale, Westgate, Park Burn Opencut
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| "Jackstraw" Cerussite to 12mm | © Lloyd Llewellyn |
Cerussite
UK
England, Cornwall, Wadebridge District, Area West of Wadebridge, St Minver, Pentire Glaze Mine
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| Cerussite ~6cm wide | © Ian Jones |
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| Cerussite 5cm wide | © Ian Jones |
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| Cerussite 7cm wide | © Crystal Vine |
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| Cerussite 4.4cmwide | © fabreminerals.com |
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| Cerussite 6cm wide | © J.Ralph |
Cerussite
UK
England, North Yorkshire, North Pennines, Swaledale, Reeth, Old Gang Mines, Brandy Bottle Incline (Brandybottle Mine)
Cerussite
UK
England, Somerset, Cranmore, Torr Works Quarry (Merehead Quarry)
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| Cerussite 5.4cm wide | © Jasun McAvoy |
Cerussite
UK
Scotland, Strathclyde (Lanarkshire), South Lanarkshire, Leadhills
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| Cerussite ~4cmwide | © |
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| Cerussite 5cm wide | © Renee Teresa Polityka |
Cerussite
UK
Wales, Ceredigion (Dyfed; Cardiganshire), Ysbyty Ystwyth, Llwynmalus Mine (West Lisburn Mine)
Cerussite
USA
Arizona, Cochise Co., Chiricahua Mts, California District, Rustler Park, Hilltop Mine (Hand Mine; Kasper tunnel; Gray Mine; Dunn shaft; Blacksmith shaft; Rhem adit)
Cerussite
USA
Arizona, Cochise Co., Dragoon Mts, Turquoise District (Courtland-Gleeson District), Gleeson, Costello Mine group (Costello claims), Silver Bill Mine
Cerussite
USA
Arizona, Cochise Co., Mule Mts, Warren District, Bisbee, Campbell Mine (Campbell shaft)
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| Cerussite 1.8cm wide | © Rob Lavinsky |
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| Cerussite 2.8cm wide | © Weinrich |
Cerussite
USA
Arizona, Cochise Co., Mule Mts, Warren District, Bisbee, Cole Mine (Cole shaft; Cole No. 3)
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| Cerussite 3.4cm center | © Danny Jones |
You rarely see one of these specimens today. The one on the left is from the collection of John Sinkankas.
Cerussite
USA
Arizona, Gila Co., Dripping Spring Mts, Banner District, Hayden area, Chilito, 79 Mine (79th Mine; Seventy-Nine Mine; Seventy-Nine property; McHur prospect)
Cerussite
USA
Arizona, Graham Co., Aravaipa District, Santa Teresa Mts, Klondyke, Grand Reef Mountain, Laurel Canyon, Grand Reef Mine (Aravaipa Mine; Lead Jewel; Joe Rubal Mine; Vivian Mine; Calistoga Mining & Development Co. Mine; Bringham Silver and Lead Mine)
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| Cerussite ~5cm wide | © Eric Graff |
Cerussite
USA
Arizona, Maricopa Co., Wickenburg, Wickenburg - East of, S and O claims (Amethyst Hill)
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| Cerussite 2.1cm | © 2011 Michael C. Roarke |
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| Cerussite ~2cm tall | © Michael Cline |
Cerussite
USA
Arizona, Pima Co., Tucson Mts, Amole District, Saguaro National Monument, Old Yuma Mine (Yuma Mine)
Cerussite
USA
Arizona, Pinal Co., Mammoth District, Tiger, St. Anthony deposit, Mammoth-Saint Anthony Mine (Mammoth-St Anthony Mine; Mammoth Mine; St. Anthony Mine)
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| Cerussite 5cm tall | © 2003 John H. Betts |
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| Cerussite 3cm tall | © Rob Lavinsky |
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| Cerussite 4.2cm wide | © Rob Lavinsky |
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| Cerussite ~4cm wide | © |
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| Cerussite 8cm wide | © Weinrich Minerals, Inc. |
The mine at Tiger was famous cerussite specimens. At one time they were very abundant. George Burnham, a mineral dealer in Monrovia, California who was active during the 50s and 60s once told me that he went to Tiger in the 50s and bought the collection of the mines assayer and came away with thousands of cerussite specimens. He towed a trailer behind his car back to Monrovia that was full of them.
[Rock Currier 2011]
Cerussite
USA
Arizona, Santa Cruz Co., Patagonia Mts, Harshaw District, Alum Gulch, Flux Gulch, Flux Mine (Goshen Mine)
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| Cerussite 6cm wide | © 2002 John H. Betts |
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| Cerussite 5cm wide | © 2002 John H. Betts |
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| Cerussite 4.7cm wide | © Rob Lavinsky |
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| Cerussite 4.5cm wide | © John Sobolewski |
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| Cerussite 20cm wide | © J.Ralph |
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| Cerussite 6.5cm wide | © Stephen Blyskal |
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| Cerussite 5.4cm wide | © Rob Lavinsky |
The flux mine is well known to collectors in the USA for its fine and abundant specimens of "jack straw" cerussite. Dick Jones told me of a collecting trip he made there during the 60s where he came away with about 400 flats full of specimens. The mine was a silver mine and in one stope which was rich in this type of cerussite, the miners ignored it because it carried little or no silver values. A generation later Stan Esbenshade and others reworked the mine and came away with a letter hoard of nice specimens.
[Rock Currier 2011]
Cerussite
USA
Arizona, Yuma Co., Castle Dome Mts, Castle Dome District, Kofa Game Range, Castle Dome Mine group, Buckeye vein group, Hull Mine group (Rialto Mine group; Hull group of claims; Rialto claims), Hull Mine
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| Cerussite 2.5cm wide | © Danny Jones |
Cerussite
USA
California, Inyo Co., Darwin District, Darwin
Cerussite
USA
California, San Bernardino Co., Bird Nest drift
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| Cerussite FOV 2 mm | © Brent Thorne 2011 |
Cerussite
USA
Colorado, Clear Creek Co., Georgetown District, Santiago Mine
Cerussite
USA
Colorado, Lake Co., Leadville District, Leadville
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| Cerussite 2.7cm tall | © Rob Lavinsky |
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| Cerussite 4cm wide | © 2003 John H. Betts |
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| Cerussite 7.5cm wide |
Cerussite
USA
Colorado, Lake Co., Leadville District, Leadville, Iowa Gulch, Black Cloud Mine (Resurrection Mine 0080650339; Yak Tunnel; Leadville Unit; Irene Shaft)
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| Cerussite 6cm wide | © Michael Shaw |
Cerussite
USA
Colorado, Mineral Co., Creede District, Amethyst Vein, Amethyst Mine
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| Cerussite 11cm wide | © Brian Kosnar - Mineral Classics |
Cerussite
USA
Idaho, Shoshone Co.
Cerussite
USA
Idaho, Shoshone Co., Coeur d'Alene District
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| Cerussite 5.5cm wide | © Dan & Diana Weinrich Minerals |
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| Cerussite 3.3cm tall | © Rob Lavinsky |
Cerussite
USA
USA, Idaho, Shoshone Co., Coeur d'Alene District, Canyon Creek, Hercules Mine
Cerussite
USA
Idaho, Shoshone Co., Coeur d'Alene District, Kellogg
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| Cerussite 5.5cm tall | © Weinrich Minerals, Inc. |
Cerussite
USA
Idaho, Shoshone Co., Coeur d'Alene District, Kellogg, Bunker Hill Properties
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| Cerussite 10cm wide | © Joseph Polityka |
Cerussite
USA
Idaho, Shoshone Co., Coeur d'Alene District, Kellogg, Bunker Hill Properties, Bunker Hill Mine (Tyler; Stemwinder; Bunker Hill and Sullivan; Bunker Chance Mine)
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| Cerussite 7cm wide | © 2001 John H. Betts |
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| Cerussite 5cm wide | © Rob Lavinsky |
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| Cerussite 3.5cm tall | © Weinrich |
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| Cerussite 3.7cm tall | © Weinrich |
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| Cerussite 3.4cm tall | © Weinrich Minerals, Inc. |
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| Cerussite 2.2 cm wide | © Dan & Diana Weinrich Minerals |
Cerussite
USA
Idaho, Shoshone Co., Prichard Creek, Monarch Mine (Barton; Coeur D'Alene North Fork)
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| Cerussite 2cm tall | © C. Stefano '09 |
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| Cerussite ~4cm tall | © |
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| Cerussite ~9cm wide | © |
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| Cerussite ~9cm wide | © |
In 1978 Bob Bartsch discovered a pocket of cerussite in this mine which he invited me to help dig. He even built me a ladder to help get my not inconsiderable back side up into the stope so I could comfortably work on the pocket. In my my mind this mine has produced some of the best cerussite specimens in the USA. When we left the pocket was still running and to my knowledge is probably still there for others to collect if they wish.
[Rock Currier]
Cerussite
USA
Missouri, Jasper Co., Tri-State District, Joplin Field, Lone Elm mine
Cerussite
USA
Missouri, Madison Co., Fredericktown District, Fredericktown, Catherine Mine
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| Cerussite on Galena 6.5cm | © Weinrich |
Cerussite
USA
Montana, Missoula Co., Keystone Mine
Cerussite
USA
New Mexico, Doña Ana Co., Organ District, Stevenson-Bennett Mine (Stephenson-Bennett Mine)
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| Cerussite ~7.5cm tall | © |
Cerussite
USA
New Mexico, Grant Co., Georgetown District, Georgetown
Cerussite
USA
North Carolina, Davidson Co.
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| Cerussite ~7cm tall | © |
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| Cerussite ~4cm tall | © |
These are really old time specimens and you rarely if ever see any of them for sale.
Cerussite
USA
Pennsylvania, Chester Co., Schuylkill Township, Phoenixville Mining District, Wheatley Mines
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| Cerussite & Malachite ~5cm tall | © |
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| Cerussite 5.5cm wide | © 2007 Peter Cristofono |
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| Cerussite ~6cm wide | © |
The mine is better know to collectors for the fine Pyromorphite specimens that it produced, but it did produce some nice cerussite specimens as well.
Cerussite
USA
Utah, Beaver Co., Star Range, Star and North Star Districts, Milford, Harrington-Hickory Mine (Rocky; The Gomer Shaft)
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| Cerussite & Wulfenite 3.2cm wide | © Michael Cline |
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| Cerussite 2.3cm tall | © Weinrich |
Cerussite
USA
Utah, Juab Co., East Tintic Mts, Tintic District, Grand Central Mine
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| Cerussite 5cm wide | © Rockpick Legend Co. |
Cerussite
USA
Utah, Salt Lake Co., Oquirrh Mts, Bingham District (West Mountain District), Dalton Mine
Cerussite
USA
Utah, Salt Lake Co., Wasatch Mts, Little Cottonwood District (Alta District), Flagstaff Mine (Mineral Veins Coalition Mining Company)
Cerussite
USA
Utah, Salt Lake Co., Wasatch Mts, Little Cottonwood District (Alta District), Little Cottonwood Canyon, Alta
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| Cerussite 13.3cm wide | © Dan & Diana Weinrich Minerals |
Cerussite
USA
Utah, Tooele Co., Oquirrh Mts, Ophir District, Ophir Hill area, Hidden Treasure Mine (Sacramento; Chicago)
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| 4mm Cerussite with Aurichalcite and Azurite | © Joe Marty |
Cerussite
Zambia
Central Province, Kabwe (Broken Hill)
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| Cerussite ~4.5cm wide | © |
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Edited 37 time(s). Last edit at 09/24/2011 10:51PM by Rock Currier.
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Re: Cerussite August 11, 2009 09:37AM |
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Re: Cerussite August 11, 2009 09:10PM |
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Re: Cerussite August 19, 2009 09:03AM |
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Re: Cerussite May 06, 2010 08:52PM |
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Locality Updated: Catalão No. 2 mine, Ouvidor, Catalão I Carbonatite Complex, Goiás, BrazilFrom David Von Bargen, 24th May 2013 18:12:28