2.9" Green Pyromorphite Crystals on Quartz - China

This is a unusual cluster of vibrant green pyromorphite crystals on quartz, collected from the Daoping Mine in the Guangxi Zhaung Autonomous Region of China. These two crystals aren't typically found associated with each other.

Pyromorphite is a mineral species composed of lead chlorophosphate with the chemical formula Pb5(PO4)3Cl. It sometimes occurs in sufficient abundance to be mined as a lead ore. It forms small, hexagonal crystals ranging from dark green to yellow and orange.

The lead in pyromorphite can be harmful if absorbed into the bloodstream by inhalation or ingestion. The crystals won't pose a health hazard just sitting on a shelf, but we recommend washing your hands after handling.

Quartz is the name given to silicon dioxide (SiO2) and is the second most abundant mineral in the Earth's crust. Quartz crystals generally grow in silica-rich environments--usually igneous rocks or hydrothermal environments like geothermal waters--at temperatures between 100°C and 450°C, and usually under very high pressure. In either case, crystals will precipitate as temperatures cool, just as ice gradually forms when water freezes. Quartz veins are formed when open fissures are filled with hot water during the closing stages of mountain formation: these veins can be hundreds of millions of years old.
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DETAILS
SPECIES
Pyromorphite & Quartz
LOCATION
Daoping Mine, Guangxi Zhaung A.R., China
SIZE
2.9 x 1.5"
CATEGORY
ITEM
#146672