TERRIUM — A mineralogy cabinet


Piromorfita

Piromorfita is a mineral with formula Pb₅(PO₄)₃Cl, in the Fosfatos group. This specimen comes from Mina Superferrolítica, Santa Eufemia, Córdoba, Andalucía, España and joined the Terrium collection in 2005.

Piromorfita from Mina Superferrolítica, Santa Eufemia, Córdoba, Andalucía, España — Terrium

Description

Dull golden-olive pyromorphite with good crystals and good coverage.

History of this specimen

Its colour, lustre and crystal density make it a very good piece for its price range.

About Piromorfita

Pyromorphite is a lead phosphate that typically forms hexagonal prismatic crystals, sometimes barrel-shaped. It is noted for its colour range, from green to yellow, with olive, brown and orange tones.

About the locality

The Superferrolítica mine, in Santa Eufemia, is a minor locality but known for well-formed pyromorphites in cavities within a ferruginous matrix. It is not currently worked.

Technical data

Catalogue No.
0436
Internal reference
T0043
Composition
Pb₅(PO₄)₃Cl
Name
Piromorfita
Group
Fosfatos
Mine
Mina Superferrolítica
District / Municipality
Santa Eufemia
Province
Córdoba
Region
Andalucía
Country
España
Size (cm)
5 x 4 x 2
Weight
56.3 g
Acquired
2005
Ex-collection
Colección Juan Carlos Viñolo
Etymology
From the Greek "piros" ('fire') and "morphe" ('form'), for its prismatic habit and reaction to heat. It was first described in Germany in 1813 and forms in the oxidation zone of lead deposits.
Quality
Buena
Value trend
Estable

Related specimens

← Back to Terrium catalogue