Pyromorphite, Mimetite, Cerussite, Anglesite, Galena, Quartz

This specimen was collected by Dr. Peter Tarassoff during the summer of 1990. A rich and diverse miniature, it contains a plethora of well-formed microcrystals including pyromorphite, mimetite, cerussite, anglesite, galena, and quartz. The specimen is especially attractive under the microscope, showcasing the complexity and mineral diversity of its origin. It comes from the historic Bay Mine in Scotland. While records indicate mining activity at the site as early as 1512, the main (pumping) shaft at Bay Mine was officially opened in 1789. The mine was active from approximately 1790 until its closure in 1919. The Bay Vein trends northwest–southeast across the southern end of Whyte’s Cleuch. The Bay Vein has been traced over a distance of roughly one-third of a mile and was worked via a series of shallow shafts and adits.

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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.