Cerussite

$14,500.00

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218 sold last year · median $355.00 · last sale $4,500.00

The ArkenstoneFeatured

3,410 for sale·797 sold

Cerussite is one of the great Tsumeb Mine's signature species, and it is found in several different habits and in sizes and styles - such as this - which are still the best in the world for the species. More than that, the overall geometry of these classic reticulated Cerussites makes them stand out from all other minerals, and the desirability of them amongst collectors has also stood the test of time now. Specimens such as this came out in a few finds of the early 1970s, 1973-1976. This is likely from the famous 1976 discovery, given the particular color and style (and we have handled several of the most famous examples of the find, including pieces shown in the IKONS books). Among all Cerussites, the twinned specimens have a beauty, fascination, and aesthetic all their own. The largest crystal here is a blade 6.2 cm long, which is impressive in and of itself. That, and a smaller smoky gem-clear crystal on its left side, both display hints of cyclic twinning in them in different ways. The larger blade also serves as the organizing point for the intricate, reticulated twinning that makes up the majority of the piece. The boxwork lattice created by this twinning is classic, and the aesthetics, bolstered by the luster, are excellent. Better in person, pieces such as this are classic and highly sought-after and seldom seen in good quality. One further note. We recently had good confirmation that all "Kombat Mine" Cerussites are simply not from Kombat, but are Tsumeb in origin (with the original locality purposefully obscured at the time they came out by miners anxious to sell their lunchbox minerals at Tsumeb without getting in trouble for collecting while on the job). If you look closely here, you will see a "Kombat type" gem crystal perched on a "Tsumeb type" reticulated twin crystal lattice. So, the reality is, obviously, that both styles are from Tsumeb. While we have suspected this for a long time, I have recently had information and observations from a few older folks that bear out the idea. Kombat Mine Cerussites are Tsumeb, by another name, and there is no difference. The rare specimen like this, showing two habits, thus adds another layer to the lure of Tsumeb history.