Cerussite with Malachite

The Friedrichssegen mine in the German municipality of Frücht worked a Zn-Pb-Cu-Ag deposit, mainly for lead, and was eventually closed in 1913.  Frücht is about 4.5 km SW of the famous Bad Ems district.  This miniature is a good representative specimen of Malachite coating reticulated blades of semi-transparent Cerussite. The main Cerussite blade measures 4.5 x 3.5 cm at its widest point and is deeply striated with a typical bright glassy lustre.  Small Cerussite blades branch out at 90 degrees and on the opposite side these are developed to a larger scale and branch forming reticulated V’s.  The Malachite occurs as minty leaf-green earthy granular patches and ribs across the reticulated Cerussite branches.  A good old-time specimen from this long-abandoned lead mine.