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A Geoscience Digital Image Library

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TitleNative lead in hausmannite
DescriptionLead is extremely rare as a mineral, though the element itself is somewhat common. This sample contains native lead and hausmannite, Mn2O4. It is 3 cm across. The element lead (Pb) is found in the Earth's crust in concentration of about 13 parts per billion. Not exactly the most common element, however, as a very important metal it is fortunate that lead often conentrates itself in ore bodies of galena, cerussite, anglesite and minium. The element lead does not lend itself well to form crystals of its own and thus, the mineral lead is rarely seen. It has been found with gold in placer deposits and in unusual metamorphosed limestones and marbles. These deposits are far too rare to be a serious ore of lead. With its metallic luster and high density, the mineral lead cannot be easily confused for any other mineral.
LocationSweden. Near Langban.
PhotographerShannon Heinle. 2001-06-26.
CollectionUniversity of North Dakota Mineralogy Collection #28.
Key wordsNative Lead, Hausmannite, Sweden
Tech details224 KB. Hand specimen. Fujifilm FinePix S1Pro digital camera; 60mm AF Nikon micro lens.
GeoDIL number903