Cerussite (fluorescent)

Item Description

Tabular, pillow-like crystals are a rare habit for Tsumeb Cerussites and this one does a credible job of looking at first like a really glassy and fat wulfenite crystal! This wonderful and gemmy, single tabby is 2.4 cm wide and 1 cm thick. Glassy and lustrous, one side is completely smooth while the presentation side is actually tiered, likely a reflection of developing twinning. The edges are beautifully beveled, and the crystal is much gemmier in person than in the pics. Inclusions, internal crazing, and double-refraction do have a tendency to wreak havoc on what should have been an easy picture. Good, yellow-white fluorescence really allows you to see just how the Cerussites march across the matrix, ending in a crescendo that is the single, large highlight...yes, it really is dramatic enough to warrant us to think of flowery language for it! This Cerussite sits up perfectly on the matrix, and all the smaller crystals add even more divine interest to the outstanding aesthetics. An old piece from the 1960s or before (again, note her "low number" below 40,000).