Pyromorphite

Real mineral · uncommon · Pb₅(PO₄)₃Cl

Lead phosphate of oxidised lead veins, in barrel-shaped green to orange prisms. It takes its name from the way a fused bead recrystallises into a faceted shape as it cools.

Identity

Formula

Pb₅(PO₄)₃Cl

Chemical class

phosphate

Mineral group

Apatite, Mimetite, Vanadinite

Also known as

Green lead ore

Crystallography

Crystal system

hexagonal

Habits

prismatic, botryoidal, drusy, granular

Fracture

uneven

Physical properties

Mohs hardness

4

Density

6.85 g/cm³

Luster

adamantine, resinous

Colors

green, yellow, brown, grayish white, yellowish red

Streak

white

Transparency

transparent, translucent

Geology

Origins

hydrothermal

Host rocks

oxidised lead ore

Associated minerals

Galena, Cerussite, Mimetite, Quartz

Geography

Germany, China, France

Classification

Rarity

uncommon

Gem quality

No

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