Macphersonite

Item Description

Macphersonite is an incredibly rare lead carbonate-sulfate found at ony over a handful of localities worldwide with Tsumeb producing the best-of-species by far! This is a huge piece at three full inches across! The large, fresh exposure on the display front is a typical cleavage face as they are found, and is a gemmy to translucent, rich dove-gray with an incredible adamantine luster. Portions of the interior of this piece are near gem quality and could cut stones! According to Gebhard, in his Tsumeb II book, Macphersonite was found somewhere between the 20 and 30 levels of the mine and was thought to be Leadhillite, and the two minerals are polymorphs. Polymorphs are minerals of the same chemical composition, but with a different internal structure. This is exceptional for the species and certainly one of the largest examples to originate from Tsumeb. It is incredibly difficult to value such a specimen as small rough samples sell for $1000 each, easily. A piece this large is unprecedented and it actually has a nice display look because of the rich luster. Valued $3500-plus.