Pyromorphite

Pyromorphite specimens for sale

460 for sale · $90–$17,675 USD

1,137 in the gallery

Pyromorphite is a lead phosphate mineral that forms as bright, prismatic crystals with a glassy to resinous lustre. Crystals are typically hexagonal in habit and can occur in chunky aggregates or slender needles, often displaying intense green hues that range from olive to emerald and occasionally yellow-green. It commonly crystallizes in oxidized lead deposits, frequently filling vugs or forming tufts and botryoidal clusters in the presence of phosphate-rich fluids. Notable specimens have come from classic locales in China, Germany and France, with others from the USA and UK enriching museum displays and private collections alike.

Formula
Pb5(PO4)3Cl
Rarity
Common
Stability
Stable
Collector interest
Very High Interest
Classification notes
Phosphate minerals; lead phosphate-chloride group

Key characteristics

Crystal system
hexagonal
Mohs hardness
3.5–4
Specific gravity
6.5–7.1
Luster
adamantine, vitreous, resinous
Transparency
transparent, translucent
Color
colorless, white, gray, brown, orange, yellow, green
Streak
white
Cleavage
poor
Fracture
subconchoidal, uneven
Crystal habit
prismatic, pyramidal, acicular, botryoidal, reniform, druzy, granular, massive
  • Classic / historic

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Where Pyromorphite is found

Top localities

  1. Daoping Mine139 specimens
  2. Bunker Hill Mine126 specimens
  3. Laohuan Mine61 specimens
  4. Kautenbach Mine27 specimens
  5. Wheatley Mines17 specimens
  6. Bad Ems15 specimens
  7. Kellogg15 specimens
  8. Roughton Gill Mine14 specimens
  9. Roughton Gill14 specimens
  10. Les Farges Mine12 specimens

About Pyromorphite

Collectors prize Pyromorphite for its striking color and sharp crystal terminations, as well as the variety of habits—from compact, ruby-like prisms to andromorphic groups—each offering a different aesthetic. Fine examples exhibit pristine transparency at edges and striking luster, making them highly photogenic when displayed under proper lighting. The mineral’s association with well-documented localities and its vivid, durable color contribute to its enduring appeal in mineral cabinets and study collections.