Pyromorphite
Pyromorphite is a lead phosphate mineral. Specimens of the mineral often feature hoppered or botryoidal crystals that are green or brown in color.
Uses
In addition to being a collectible mineral, Pyromorphite may be used as a minor source of lead.
Notable Localities
Historical Pyromorphite localities include the Wheatley Mines of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, as well as the Bunker Hill Mine in Shoshone County, Idaho, where globular brown-orange masses have been known to occur. Fine specimens of Pyromorphite have also been recovered at several English, French, and Italian localities. In addition, the Mapimi and Los Lamentos Mines in Mexico are known to produce light green Pyromorphite crystals.Recently, bright green Pyromorphite crystal groups have been recovered from the Daoping and Yangshuo Mines of Gaungxi, China. Many Chinese Plumbogummite crystals are psuedomorphs of Pyromorphite.
| Properties | |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | Pb5(PO4)3Cl |
| Hardness | 3.5-4 |
| Crystal System | Hexagonal |
| Mineral Class | Phosphates |
| Luster | Sub-Vitreous, Resinous, Waxy, Greasy |