Image: Cerussite-Rosasite-Azurite-262886

Description: Cerussite, Rosasite, Azurite, Smithsonite, Mimetite, Beudantite, Baryte, Galena Locality: Sherman Mine (Sherman tunnel; Leadville Corporation Mine; Day Mines; Hilltop Mine), Upper Iowa Gulch, Leadville District, Lake County, Colorado, USA (Locality at mindat.org) Size: 15.1 x 10.6 x 9.8 cm. Without a doubt, this is one of the most impressive association specimens I have seen not only from Leadville, but virtually any Colorado locality. Leadville is well known for its Silver deposits, but the secondary ore minerals from the Sherman mine are treasured by Colorado collectors. This piece features more associated species on the same specimen than I have seen from the Sherman mine. It features tiny white "snowflakes" of Cerussite lightly dusted with Rosasite on Azurite along with crystals of Smithsonite and Mimetite, plus the very rarely seen arsenate, Beudantite on a matrix of golden Baryte crystals, Galena and Quartz. I spent nearly 30 minutes with this piece under the microscope. It's an incredibly fun specimen to view under high magnification, and an amazing association specimen from one of the most storied mining districts in Colorado. Colorful secondary ore specimens are not the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks of Colorado, and this piece is about as rich as it gets when it comes to species. This specimen was collected in 1980, and stands as one of the most unique pieces I have ever seen from Leadville. From C-22 Area. Ex. Richard Kosnar Collection.
Title: Cerussite-Rosasite-Azurite-262886
Credit: http://www.mindat.org/photo-262886.html
Author: Robert M. Lavinsky
Usage Terms: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0
License: CC BY-SA 3.0
License Link: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0
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