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www.mineralgallery.co.za Minerals A-E |
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CROCOITE |
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Name
Crocoite
Chemistry
Pb(CrO4)
Uses
Specimen
Color
Orange, red, reddish yellow
Hardness
2.5 - 3
Specific gravity
6.0
Crystals
Monoclinic
Accompanied by:
Wulfenite, Cerussite, Vanadinite, Pyromorphite, Galena
Fracture
Conchoidal
Luster
Vitreous, adamantine to greasy
Cleavage
Prismatic
Streak
Yellowish orange
Similar to:
Chalcotrichite, Cinnabar, Realgar, Vanadinite, Wulfenite
Name from the Greek word "krokos" for crocus or saffron referring to its yellowish orange color.
Crocoite was found to contain quite a lot of lead, and was thus used in the previous century for ore of Chromium. But it is now too rare to be used.
Well developed crystals of a bright hyacinth-red color, which are translucent and have an adamantine, vitreous to greasy lustre. Crocoite's high density and luster are due to the lead content of the mineral. Crocoite specimens are very fragile.
Crocoite is formed from Lead, Chromium and Oxygen. It's aggregates are composed of bars and splinters, producing a character and quality that is distinctive of Crocoite. This makes Crocoite a highly sought after by mineral collectors, due to its attractive color.
Some rare localities are Congonhas do Campo, Brazil; Ural Mountains, Russia; Luzon, Philippines; Inyo and Riverside Counties in California, USA; Umtali, Mashonaland. Mainly found in Adelaide Mine at Dundas District of Tasmania, Australia.
