Mineralpedia Details for 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

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Mindat

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Bright red prismatic or acicular crystals up to 9mm. Crocoite is most often found crystallized and forms elongated {001} monoclinic hollowed prisms with poor terminations. The name is derived from word "crocon", which is Greek for the color saffron. Crocoite's colors can range from yellow-orange to a bright red as in this specimen. It is found in the oxidized zones of lead deposits in the presence of chromium bearing host rocks.

Bright red prismatic crystals to 1cm.

Deep red, tabular to elongated Crocoite crystals from 1-3mm. The crystals are outstanding and show nice luster once you look at them under a microscope. The green was originally marked on the Pinch label as Gorceixite. However, I believe there is some doubt about this occurence.