3" Malachite, Deep Blue Azurite, and Cerussite Crystals on Galena

Malachite, Deep Blue Azurite, and Cerussite Crystals on Galena #274898

This is an incredible mineral association collected from the Touissit-Bou Beker mining district of Morocco, a location known for its stunning mineral specimens. It features an aggregation of green malachite, a pristine deep blue azurite crystal, and cerussite crystals, all on a bed of galena. The entire specimen measures 3" wide.

It displays nicely on a flat surface without the need for a display stand.

Cerussite is a lead-carbonate mineral with the chemical formula PbCO3, and is an important ore of lead. It is a common weathering product of galena, explaining why it is typically extracted from oxidized zones of lead ore deposits. It can form into a variety of different structures, sometimes in fibrous patterns and other times in granular aggregations, though it generally forms vitreous pseudo-hexagonal crystals. Its colors vary depending on composition and structure: it is most commonly colorless, white, grey and green-tinted.

Galena is a lead-based mineral and the primary ore of lead, and has been used for its lead content for thousands of years. Galena typically displays a gray metallic luster and forms cubes or octahedral crystals. The chemical composition of galena is PbS.

While galena will not pose a health hazard by sitting on the shelf or even from casual handling, we suggest washing hands following handling due to the mineral's lead content.

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