When Crocoite was worth its weight in gold

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Crocoite PbCrO₄ (red) with associated Pyromorphite Pb₅(PO₄)₃Cl  (green) and Vauquelinite CuPb₂(CrO₄)(PO₄)(OH) (grey)

Field of view 1.5cm, photo by Didier Descouens 

The above specimen of crocoite is from the type locality for the mineral. When discovered at the Berezovsk gold mine in 1766 the mineral became known as Red Lead-Spar. The crystals were highly prized by collectors -

A Dictionary of Chemistry and Mineralogy by Arthur Aikin, 1807

It wasn't until around 1888 that, digging in the Heazlewood lead-silver mine, miners discovered the Tasmanian deposits of crystallised lead chromate. The specimens recovered from the Dundas mineral field, in particular the Adelaide mine from 1891 to the present, are spectacular to say the least.

Crocoite

4.0 x 4.0 x 2.5 cm

Adelaide Mine, Dundas mineral field, Zeehan District, Tasmania, Australia

Extraction of specimens continues, those collecting must rate the experience as being worth its weight in gold. Bringing beauty to light.

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Unrelated to this post, below is an example of

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cis-1,4-polyisoprene being collected

photo Ji-Elle

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WARNING - Many subjects outlined within this site are extremely dangerous and are provided here for information only. Please don`t experiment with high voltages or chemicals unless you are fully conversant with safe laboratory practices. No liability will be accepted for death, injury or damage arising from experimentation using any information or materials supplied.