Pyromorphite
Image: Fabre Minerals (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NamePyromorphite
Chemical FormulaPb₅(PO₄)₃Cl
Mohs Hardness3.5
Crystal Systemhexagonal
Lusterresinous
Streak Colorwhite to yellowish-white
Cleavagepoor on {1010}
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity6.5
Colorsbrownish-orange, dark brown
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityBad Ems, Nassau, Rhineland, Germany
Mineral GroupPhosphates
Usescollector, minor lead ore
Associated Mineralsgalena, cerussite, anglesite, mimetite
Rarityuncommon
Description
This specimen features a cluster of brownish-orange to dark brown, prismatic to barrel-shaped pyromorphite crystals, displaying a characteristic resinous luster.
Geological Context
Pyromorphite is a secondary mineral that forms in the oxidized zone of lead ore deposits, typically as an alteration product of primary lead minerals like galena.
