Pyromorphite altering to Cerussite - image 1

Pyromorphite altering to Cerussite

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Daoping is noted for its abundant and dramatic Pyromorphite specimens as well as its scant but beautiful Cerussite specimens; however, this piece incorporates both as a pseudomorph! Original Pyromorphite in this piece is represented as small, mint green, hoppered crystals that have all been affected in some way by replacement via whitish Cerussite. The delicate, mint green, variably pseudomorph Pyromorphite hoppers range in size from <1mm up to 5mm and many of the crystals are stacked one upon the other reaching an aggregate height of 3cm! It appears that the tiny Pyromorphite crystals coating the matrix have been nearly replaced by Cerussite and are almost all white, some with a touch of mint green. The larger crystals are variegated mint green and white exhibiting varying stages of replacement. These pseudomorphs are set on a matrix of porous, two-toned ochre and brown-black "limonite". This is one of very few specimens we've seen such as this. No obvious damage to piece. Crazy interesting and attractive! I am aware of only one pocket of this material from about 2010.