Crocoita
Crocoita is a mineral with formula PbCrO₄, in the Cromatos group. This specimen comes from Adelaide Mine, Dundas, Zeehan, Tasmania, Australia and joined the Terrium collection in 2021.
Description
Irregular ferruginous mass, dense and highly mineralised, covered by orange-red crocoite crystals, lustrous and intergrown, crosscutting. Areas of black, lustrous, lamellar goethite contrast with bundles and short needles of crocoite scattered over several faces.
About Crocoita
Lead chromate (PbCrO₄), sensitive to prolonged light exposure and to harsh environmental conditions. The finest specimens in the world come from Tasmania.
About the locality
Worked since the 19th century and now regarded as an important mineralogical heritage site, the historic Red Lead Mine at Dundas is known worldwide for producing some of the finest crocoite. Although the deposit is practically exhausted today, its legacy endures thanks to the efforts of collectors such as Shane Schreiber, who recovered many of the notable pieces that made it famous.
Technical data
- Catalogue No.
- 0642
- Composition
- PbCrO₄
- Name
- Crocoita
- Group
- Cromatos
- Matrix
- Goethita
- Mine
- Adelaide Mine
- District / Municipality
- Dundas
- Province
- Zeehan
- Region
- Tasmania
- Country
- Australia
- Size (cm)
- 5.5 x 3.5 x 3.5
- Acquired
- 2021
- Etymology
- Named for its colour, from the Greek "krokos" (κρόκος), "saffron".
- Quality
- Buena
- Value trend
- Estable