Wulfenite

This specimen features lustrous, transparent to translucent orange wulfenite crystals with well-defined beveled edges and excellent color. The classic "windowpane" habit is prominently displayed, with the crystals clustered on a lightweight gossan matrix. Much of the space on the surface between the wulfenite crystals is coated with spherical yellow mimetite microcrystals. This is an excellent combination specimen from an extinct lead-zinc-copper mine, which operated intermittently from 1872 onward. A fine and visually appealing example from this rare locality.

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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