Detailed information
Species
Cerussite, Linarite
Dimensions
58 x 45 x 23
mm
Locality
Tsumeb Mine Otjikoto Region Namibia
Condition
No recorded repairs
An unusual specimen of translucent, milk-white Cerussite forming a 'snowflake', a reticulated habit often reported from Tsumeb. The overall crystal structure is curved and smooth, probably through natural erosion by fluid flow within the ore body. The specimen is from Tsumeb mine in the Oshikoto Region of Namibia and would have been mined from either the outcrop/near-surface (supergene) or 1st Oxidation Zone, due to the presence of Linarite (copper lead sulphate hydroxide) as deep sky blue micro-crystalline patches. The Cerussite (lead carbonate) has a bright, slightly greasy lustre and is heavily stained deep turquoise with a surface impregnation of Brochantite.