Cerussite

specimen number:
2102338

location:
9 level, Jersey Vein, Bunker Hill Mine, Kellogg, Idaho, USA

description:

An excellent example for the species from this famous locality normally known for its world-class pyromorphite specimens. Lustrous twinned crystals of cerussite in a cluster with very little attached matrix. This is in good condition.

The Bunker Hill mine, situated near Kellogg within the Coeur d'Alene mining district of Shoshone County, Idaho, United States, is a legendary underground lead-zinc-silver operation that stands as one of the most productive and long-lived base metal mines in American history. Geologically, this immense deposit consists of extensive, deep-seated hydrothermal veins hosted within highly deformed, fault-bounded Proterozoic-age metasedimentary rocks of the Belt Supergroup, primarily the Revett and St. Regis Formations. Intense regional faulting along the major Osburn Fault zone created vast fracture networks where ascending, silver-rich hydrothermal fluids precipitated massive sulfide minerals, including galena, sphalerite, and tetrahedrite, alongside siderite and quartz gangue. Historically, the deposit was discovered in September 1885 by Noah S. Kellogg, allegedly with the help of his wandering burro, leading to the immediate organization of the Bunker Hill and Sullivan Mining and Concentrating Company. The facility expanded into a massive industrial complex utilizing miles of underground tunnels, deep shafts, and a massive on-site smelter to process ore continuously for nearly a century until low metal prices, declining underground reserves, and severe environmental compliance issues regarding lead contamination forced the permanent cessation of regular corporate operations in 1981. Following its closure, the site became a major federal Superfund cleanup area, but due to rising commodity demands and advanced exploration proving up deep remaining reserves, specialized corporate operators have undertaken significant rehabilitation and underground dewatering projects, keeping the historic property at the center of active redevelopment discussions through 2026.

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