Crocoite
Crocoite is a gorgeous mineral with long orange-red crystals. While it is a stunning addition to any collection, it is worth pointing out that Crocoite is a Lead Chromate mineral and should not be handled where possible.
There are numerous excellent quality specimens from locales in Australia, Russia, and the USA.
Information about Crocoite
A relatively uncommon lead chromate mineral which forms as large, well formed adamantine crystals.
Uses and History
Crocoite is popular amongst mineral collectors due to its bright colours and well formed crystals. It is not typically used as an ore mineral.
Crocoite was named ‘krokoit’ by the German mineralogist August Breithaupt, and anglicised to the current name. The name is derived from the Greek for saffron, which apparently looks quite similar!
Mineralogy
Orange, red, yellow.
Hazards and Warnings
TOXIC: a lead chromate mineral. Minimised handling and do not crush, cut, or otherwise alter.
Mineral collectors should wash their hands after handling specimens, to avoid any exposure to potential toxins.
Almost all rocks, minerals (and, frankly, almost all other substances on earth) can produce toxic dust when cutting, which can cause serious respiratory conditions including silicosis.
When cutting or polishing rocks, minerals, shells, etc, all work should be done wet to minimise the dust, and a suitable respirator or extraction system should be used.
Translations
Arabic:
Hindi:
Portuguese:
Bengali:
Indonesian:
Punjabi:
English:
Italian:
Russian:
- Крокоит
French:
- Crocoïte
Japanese:
- クロコアイト
Spanish:
- Crocoita
German:
- Krokoit
Korean:
Thai:
Gujurati:
Mandarin Chinese:
- 铬铅矿
Urdu: