Clausthalite

specimen number:
1052245

location:
Tilkerode, Mansfeld, Mansfeld-Sudharz, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany

description:
Clausthalite is a rare lead selenide mineral with the formula PbSe and is the selenium analogue of galena. It crystallizes in the cubic system and typically appears metallic lead gray with high density and a soft hardness of about 2.5. First described from Clausthal in the Harz Mountains of Germany, it forms in hydrothermal selenium rich ore deposits and is mainly of interest to collectors and researchers studying selenium geochemistry rather than as an important ore mineral. This example shows metallic masses which up on matrix. The specimen comes with an antique label as shown at the end of the video dating this piece to the early 20th century, even more likely late 19th century.

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