Cerussite "star" crystals from the Tsumeb Mine, Otavi Mountains, Namibia, Ilse Baer collection – miniature specimen as unique piece
This miniature specimen with Cerussite “star” crystals from the Tsumeb Mine, Otavi Mountains, Namibia, from the Ilse Baer collection shows an attractive group of tabular crystals arranged in a star shaped structure. The transparent to slightly honey colored crystals display distinct striations and reflect light beautifully, highlighting the characteristic star shaped formation.
Such star shaped Cerussite crystals belong to the classic and aesthetically highly appreciated formations from the Tsumeb deposit. The historical provenance from the Ilse Baer collection as well as the age of the specimen dating from before 1972 further emphasize the collector value of this piece.
Geology & Origin
Cerussite is a lead carbonate that forms secondarily in the oxidation zone of lead rich ore deposits through the alteration of primary lead minerals such as Galena. In the Tsumeb Mine exceptional geochemical conditions produced many unusual crystal forms, including the characteristic star shaped Cerussite aggregates. The deposit is regarded as one of the most important classic mineral localities in the world.