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-out, 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.