Leadhillite

Substantial platy crystals of the rare lead sulphate carbonate Leadhillite are beautifully displayed across this miniature and in a cavity against crystals of Anglesite. The Leadhillite crystals stand on edge and lay across two cavities with a characteristic pearly lustre and slightly yellow tint, measuring up to a magnificent 1.3 cm across. Some crystals show a little abrasion on their edges, but this is not unusual for old time specimens of this species. The Leadhillite crystals have formed on a lining of colourless-white, lustrous Anglesite crystals displaying parallel growth on a crystalline matrix of colourless-creamy and blackish grey Cerussite. Although very minor, there are at least two tiny patches of crystallised turquoise green Caledonite. A rare and fabulous specimen for its crystal size, richness and habit from the old Leadhills mining area in Lanarkshire, southern Scotland. This specimen would not look out of place in any famous natural history museum.