Crocoite From Red Lead Mine, Dundas, Tasmania, Australia
16cm x 10cm x 10cm
No weight given

A great example of bright orange and red crocoite crystals with a lighter colored gibbsite coating on a Limonite matrix.

Crocoite is commonly found as large, well-developed prismatic adamantine crystals, although in many cases are poorly terminated. Crystals are of a bright red color, translucent, and have an adamantine to vitreous lustre. Mohs hardness is 2.5–3; and the specific gravity is 6.0.

Masses with exceptional examples of crocoite crystals have been found in the Extended Mine at Mount Dundas and a few other Mines at Dundas, Tasmania. Examples are found in long slender prisms, with a brilliant lustre and color. Other source location are Brazil, Philippines, Western Australia, Germany and South Africa.

As will all crystal formations crocoite is connected with the specific conditions required for its formation. An oxidation zone of lead ore bed and presence of ultramafic rocks serving as the source of chromium are required for crocoite formation. These conditions are relatively unusual.