Crocoite
Image: Ashlar (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Mineral NameCrocoite
Chemical FormulaPbCrO4
Mohs Hardness2.5
Crystal Systemmonoclinic
Lusteradamantine
Streak Colororange-yellow
Cleavagedistinct on {110}
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity6
Colorsred, orange-red, hyacinth-red
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityDundas, Tasmania, Australia
Mineral GroupChromates
Usescollector, minor ore of lead and chromium
Associated Mineralscerussite, pyromorphite, galena, quartz, goethite
Rarityuncommon
Description
This specimen features numerous vibrant orange-red to hyacinth-red prismatic crystals, often elongated and slender, exhibiting a brilliant adamantine luster.
Geological Context
Crocoite is a secondary mineral formed in the oxidized zones of lead deposits, where lead-bearing minerals react with chromium-rich solutions, typically derived from the weathering of ultramafic rocks.
