This is an exceptional old stock specimen from the Flux Mine, a locality renowned for producing cerussite. Unlike the more common "jack-straw" habit seen in many specimens from the site, this piece features thick reticulated aggregates of V-twin transparent crystals. A few radial tufts of micro-malachite add visual interest to the matrix. Cerussite, a well-known secondary ore of lead, is popular among collectors due to its formation in attractive twinned crystals, often exhibiting remarkable gemminess. This habit is very unusual for the locality but not unheard of, there is one other example (also from the 60s) on mindat.
Dr. Tarassoff acquired this specimen from Lawrence H. Conklin of New York in 1962. The Flux Mine, known for its zinc, lead, copper, silver, and gold deposits, is widely regarded as one of the most famous U.S. localities for Cerussite. According to mindat.org, the mine’s history dates back to the 1850s, making it a significant site for collectors and geologists alike.
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This specimen comes from the collection of Dr. Peter Tarassoff, a prominent figure in mineralogy, particularly known for his work at Mont Saint-Hilaire (MSH). His diligent collecting and examination efforts have led him to be the first to identify at least 35 species and discover 12 new species, not only at MSH but also at other alkaline localities. Dubbed the "Dean" of Mont Saint-Hilaire collectors, Peter was honoured with the naming of the new species petarasite in 1980. He has authored or co-authored numerous mineralogical articles and has been a member of the Mineralogical Association of Canada since 1964. Additionally, Peter has volunteered at the Redpath Museum for the past 21 years, where he was formally appointed the Honorary Curator of Mineralogy. In recognition of his significant contributions to mineralogy, Peter was awarded the 2017 Pinch Medal by the Mineralogical Association of Canada.
Peter's dedication to systematic collecting, curating his collection, and maintaining an archive of detailed historical and scientific information has greatly benefited the mineral sciences community both in Canada and globally. All specimens from this collection come with the original P. Tarassoff collection label.
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