Detailed information
Species
Metacinnabar, Siderite, Native Mercury
Dimensions
40 x 50 x 48
mm
Weight
176 g
Locality
Landsberg (Moschellandsberg) Alsenz-Obermoschel, Palatinate Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
Condition
No recorded repairs
This large miniature specimen from the famous Landsberg (Moschellandsberg) mercury mining area in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany is a fine example of the rare species Metacinnabar. A 3.5 x 1.5 cm Siderite-lined cavity displays along one edge a linear, caterpillar-like mass of rounded aggregates of dull black Metacinnabar, 2 cm in length by about 3 mm wide. Under magnification it can be seen that the rounded, perhaps colloform aggregates of Metacinnabar, are composed of many tiny crystals. Tiny microscopic silvery globules of Native Mercury can be seen amongst the Siderite crystals within the cavity. A lovely example of one of the less well-known mercury species from this famous European mining area.