Pyromorphite
Chemical Formula
Pb5(PO4)3Cl
Chemical Class
Phosphates
Properties
Pyromorphite presents prismatic habit, and it often presents round and barrel shapes. Sometimes, it shows hollow and cavernous crystals. Its hardness is 3.5 to 4, and its density ranges from 6.5 to 7.1. It tends to display green, brown, yellow, and more rarely, orange hues.
Origin
Guangxi Province, China.
Curiosities
Lead can be replaced by calcium, making the mineral increasingly less thick.
Use
It is a lead mineral, with no economic relevance, however, it is very appreciated by mineral collectors.
Source: MM Gerdau - Museu das Minas e do Metal -