Pyromorphite

Pyromorphite is a lead chlorophosphate that forms in the oxidized zone of lead ore deposits. Its vivid green color (most commonly) and barrel-shaped hexagonal crystals make it one of the most visually appealing lead minerals.

The Daoping Mine in China's Guangxi Province has produced pyromorphite specimens of extraordinary quality since the early 2000s - large, vivid green crystal clusters on matrix that have become some of the most popular mineral specimens in the modern collector market. These specimens transformed pyromorphite from a respected but modest collector mineral into one of the most sought-after secondary minerals.

Pyromorphite's name comes from the Greek 'pyr' (fire) and 'morphe' (form) - when melted, it forms globular shapes. It's the phosphate member of the same structural series as mimetite (arsenate) and vanadinite (vanadate), demonstrating how different central anions create visually distinct minerals in an identical crystal framework. SAFETY NOTE: Contains lead. Handle with care.

Pyromorphite is identified by its vivid green color, barrel-shaped hexagonal crystals, extreme density (7.04 - very heavy for a green mineral), and adamantine luster. The green barrel-shapes on matrix are distinctive.

Distinguish from mimetite (usually yellow, same structure), vanadinite (red, hexagonal but different proportions), and green apatite (much lighter weight, different associations). Pyromorphite's green color combined with extreme density is essentially unique.