Crocoite

CrocoiteCrocoite (pronounced Kro-ko-ite) is a very rare but very spectacular mineral that was first found in Russia. Crocoite is sought after by mineral collectors for its pronounced orange-red color. The crystals are thin, needle-like formations arranged in random, jackstraw fashion.

Crocoite is a rare lead chromate mineral that appears to form under the unusual condition of chromium-bearing solutions altering lead deposits. Small examples have been reported from the Mammoth Mine, Tiger, Arizona, and in California at the Darwin Mine, Inyo Co., and the Eldorado Mine, Indio, Riverside Co., finds have also been reported from Brazil and the Philippines. The very best specimens come from the Dundas District of Tasmania, Australia.

Crocoite is among the most showy and colorful of mineral species. The supply of truly elongated and sturdy Tasmanian specimens seems to have been exhausted many years ago; specimens from a recent reopening are much smaller and rather fragile. A Russian source, the first find, had stockier and sounder crystals on a black matrix with green vauquelinite, the specimens from Australia tend to be a matrix of a reasonably solid mixture of Crocoite, goethite and gibbsite.

Some Crocoite aggregates are composed of bars and splinters, of differing sizes, going in a dozen different directions and produce a certain character to these specimens that is distinctive of Crocoite. Crocoite is also one of the very few chromate minerals. Beautiful specimens that show off crocoite's unique color, high luster and unusual character are a prized addition to anyone’s collection. Suggestions that these must be kept from light or air are erroneous according to reputable sources. These stunning specimens are meant to be displayed!

Stunning Crocoite Display from Dundas District, Tasmania, Australia
Stunning Crocoite Display from Dundas District, Tasmania, Australia
Stunning Crocoite Display from Dundas District, Tasmania, Australia
Stunning Crocoite Display from Dundas District, Tasmania, Australia
Stunning Crocoite Display from Dundas District, Tasmania, Australia Stunning Crocoite Display from Dundas District, Tasmania, Australia Stunning Crocoite Display from Dundas District, Tasmania, Australia Stunning Crocoite Display from Dundas District, Tasmania, Australia
Item# CRO090801

Stunning Crocoite Display from Dundas District, Tasmania, Australia

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Beautiful specimen from the Adelaide Mine!

This excellent specimen is from the Adelaide Mine, Dundas District on the Island of Tasmania, Australia Wild jackstraw patterns with growth in many directions! Crystals to 20mm! Combination matrix as is typical of Dundas Crocoite specimens.

This sample weighs 1.6 oz (45.5g) and measures 1.4 x 1.2 x 1 (35 x 30 x 25mm)