March 2023 – Crocoite

What a beautiful intense color! The mineral of the month March is the crocoite. This mineral is also known under the name “red lead ore” (German: Rotbleierz). This name gives also directly conclusions about the composition, because crocoite is a lead chromate. The color varies between a strong yellow over yellow-orange up to a bright red. Crocoite forms as a rare secondary mineral in the oxidation zone of chromium-bearing lead deposits. The so far best and largest specimens were found in Dundas on Tasmania in Australia. Also this beautiful example shown here, which can be observed in the Museum Mineralogia Munich.

Pb[CrO₄].

Locality: Dundas, Tasmania, Australia

Size: : 8x13x13 cm (HxLxW)

Weight: 1230 g

Foto: Fabio Joseph, Mineralogical State Collection Munich

Foto: Fabio Joseph, Mineralogical State Collection Munich