Mineralpedia Details for Crocoite
Crocoite
Named after the Greek word krokos, meaning “saffron,” in reference to the minerals spicy red-orange color that is comparable to saffron fronds. Crocoite is an uncommon to rare mineral that occurs in oxidized lead deposits that are associated with chromium-bearing rocks, and may also be of post-mine origin. Localities for Crocoite include in Russia, Romania, Germany, Scotland, England, France, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Australia, the Philippines, Brazil, and the United States, among a few others. Crocoite contains the chromate ion which is carcinogenic and mutagenic.
Ref. Handbook of Mineralogy, Anthony et al (1995) and MSA at http://www.handbookofmineralogy.org/pdfs/crocoite.pdf
- Formula
- PbCrO4
- Crystal System
- Monoclinic
- Crystal Habit
- Crystalline - Coarse, Massive - Granular, Acicular
- Cleavage
- Distinct, Indistinct, Indistinct
- Luster
- Adamantine
- Color
- yellow, orange, red, red orange
- Streak
- yellowish orange
- Class
- Monoclinic - Prismatic
- Fracture
- Sectile
- Hardness
- 2.5-3
- WebMineral
- View Crocoite
- Mindat
- View Crocoite
Crocoite from Red Lead mine, Dundas, Tasmania, Australia
Vivid deep orange red cavernous, prismatic crystals to 1.5cm.
This specimen contains several crystals in reticulated fashion with crystals to 3cm. Each crystal shows great luster and are somewhat translucent giving it a rich red color with a good three-dimensional aspect. Overall 6x5x4cm.
