Cerussite (fluorescent crystals) on Baryte with Galena

Item Description

Interesting complex groups of sharp, golden/smoky colored, twinned Cerussite crystals associated with bladed iron-coated orange "rosettes" of Baryte along with minor grey metallic Galena on matrix from Mibladen. The main Cerussite twin measures 2.8 cm, which is larger than most you'll find from the locality. Very little damage, most of the Cerussites are in excellent condition. The most interesting aspect of the piece in my opinion is the fact that it fluoresces a yellow color under UV light. Most Cerussite does not fluoresce in my experience, and the specimens from this locality have a distinctive fluorescence that you don't normally see in the species. Mibladen is famous for its world-class Vanadinite specimens, but the Cerussites don't get enough credit for being some of the more interesting and unique examples of the species from any world locality. Pieces of this size and quality are certainly rare on the market. Valued $2,500.
From the worldwide mineral collection of Rich ("Dick") Hauck of New Jersey. Dick is an avid collector of minerals, books, and mining memorabilia, along with being an accomplished author in the mineral world. Arguably, his greatest claim to fame is being the co-founder of the Sterling Hill Mining Museum in Ogdensburg, NJ. Dick purchased the land on which the Sterling Hill Mine resides in 1988, and the museum has been running strong since.