Pyromorphite
| Colour | Green, Yellow, Orange |
|---|---|
| Mohs hardness | 3.5–4 |
| Lustre | Resinous to subadamantine |
| Streak | White |
| Crystal system | Hexagonal |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent |
| Cleavage | Imperfect- [101] |
| Fracture | Uneven to sub-conchoidal |
| Chemical formula | Pb 5 (PO 4 ) 3 Cl |
| Specific gravity | 7.04 measured, 7.14 calculated |
What is Pyromorphite?
Pyromorphite is a mineral species composed of lead chlorophosphate: Pb5(PO4)3Cl, sometimes occurring in sufficient abundance to be mined as an ore of lead. Crystals are common, and have the form of a hexagonal prism terminated by the basal planes, sometimes combined with narrow faces of a hexagonal pyramid. Crystals with a barrel-like curvature are not uncommon. Globular and reniform masses are also found.
How to identify Pyromorphite
- Lustre: Resinous to subadamantine.
- Hardness: Mohs 3.5–4 — soft; a knife will scratch it.
- Streak: White.
- Habit: Hexagonal crystal system.
Pyromorphite in different forms
Stones often confused with Pyromorphite
Frequently asked questions
How hard is Pyromorphite?
Pyromorphite is Mohs 3.5–4 on the hardness scale.
What colour is Pyromorphite?
Pyromorphite is typically green, yellow, orange (Dark green to grass-green or green, yellow, yellow-orange, reddish orange, yellow-brown, greenish-yellow or yellowish-gr).