Overview

Pyromorphite is a lead chlorophosphate (Pb5[PO4]3Cl) and a classic member of the apatite group. It is beloved for its juicy resinous luster and saturated colors—from neon apple-green and lime to olive, honey-yellow, orange, and even cocoa-brown. Crystals are typically hexagonal prisms that can be stout and “barrel-shaped,” acicular, or hoppered/etched at the terminations. A signature look is the wet, glassy sheen on tightly packed “pipe-organ” clusters or radiating sprays. Pyromorphite often forms in the oxidized zones of lead deposits, associated with galena, cerussite, anglesite, baryte, quartz, and limonite.

For collectors, few species combine color, luster, and texture as dramatically as pyromorphite. Fine pockets—especially the modern Chinese discoveries and old European classics—produce “candy-like” clusters that glow under ambient light. While thumbnail to miniature pieces can be affordable, top cabinet clusters with bright color, large crystals, and attractive matrix are highly competitive. Old-mine specimens with provenance (Bad Ems, Wheatley, El Horcajo) are perennial favorites and remain historically important.

Popularity

Pyromorphite has captivated collectors since the 18th and 19th centuries, when European lead districts (Germany, France, England, Spain) produced iconic specimens. The 1800s Phoenixville (Wheatley) and Caldbeck Fells pieces became cornerstones of early collections; French classics like Les Farges are staples of connoisseur cabinets. In the late 20th century, Idaho’s Bunker Hill yielded waves of lustrous yellow-green barrels and stalactitic forms.

The species’ modern renaissance came from China—especially Guangxi’s Daoping/Yangshuo area—where vivid, gemmy apple-green crystals with exceptional luster set a new standard. These discoveries renewed interest across the hobby and established pyromorphite as a must-have species in every collection tier. Today, competition centers on:

• Neon apple-green, high-luster clusters (China)
• Historic European classics (Bad Ems, Les Farges, Roughton Gill, El Horcajo)
• U.S. stalactitic/barrel forms (Bunker Hill) Top specimens remain scarce relative to demand, and prices for the very best continue to rise.

Top Collecting Localities

Daoping Mine, China

Daoping (Yangshuo County, Guilin, Guangxi) redefined pyromorphite aesthetics in the 1990s–2000s. The mine produced exquisitely lustrous, gemmy apple- to lime-green crystals in dense, sparkling clusters. Crystals range from acicular to stout barrels; many show sharp hexagonal forms with subtly hoppered tips. The brightest pieces look wet and “sugary,” often on quartz/limonite or goethite matrix for strong contrast.

Collectors prize Daoping for saturation, clarity, and mirror-slick luster that glows even without backlighting. Choice pockets produced cabinet plates covered in uniform crystals, or sculptural clusters with discrete, larger prisms. Clean, undamaged tips, bright neon hues, and balanced matrix composition command premiums. The finest Daoping pieces rank among the most desirable pyromorphites ever found.

Les Farges Mine, France

The Les Farges Mine (Ussel, Corrèze) is a benchmark European locality. Classic finds feature vivid yellow-green to olive sprays and coatings, as well as stout prismatic crystals with a bright resinous luster. Many rest on contrasting baryte or quartz, yielding dramatic displays. Some pockets produced warm golden hues and small hoppered habits.

Collectors value Les Farges for its historical importance and refined aesthetics: elegant composition on white baryte blades, rich color, and fine luster. Because the mine is long-closed, strong pieces—especially with balance and minimal damage—carry a premium and are increasingly prized for European provenance.

Roughton Gill Mine, England

Caldbeck Fells’ Roughton Gill (Cumbria) is legendary for early European pyromorphite. Specimens often show olive to yellow-green crystals with slightly rounded or “wormlike” forms and hoppered terminations. Many are on galena or quartz-rich matrix. The best carry a soft, rich luster that presents beautifully under ambient light.

Historic British provenance drives collector interest, and top Roughton Gill pieces exhibit characteristic textures and form. Undamaged crystals, balanced composition, and old labels can significantly elevate value.

Bad Ems, Germany

Bad Ems (Rhineland-Palatinate) is an archetypal classic for European lead minerals. Pyromorphites here show prismatic to barrel crystals in green to olive tones, frequently forming tight “pipe-organ” arrays with a glossy, resinous luster. Historic pieces from the 19th century carry significant provenance, and matrix combinations can be quite elegant.

Top Bad Ems examples display uniform, saturated color, bright luster, and well-arranged crystals on contrasting matrix. Old labels from major collections further amplify desirability.

Wheatley Mines, USA

Phoenixville’s Wheatley Mines (Pennsylvania) are among the most historic North American sources. 19th-century specimens feature rich, sometimes brownish or orange-tinged pyromorphite with stout prisms and classic resinous sheen, often on quartz or limonite. These are essential locality pieces, especially with period labels.

Collectors value them for age and American mineral history. Choice pieces exhibit balanced compositions, crisp terminations, and strong luster—scarcer today and avidly pursued by locality and history-focused collectors.

Minas del Horcajo, Spain

El Horcajo (Ciudad Real) produced robust pyromorphite in brown to yellow-green hues, with thick barrels and a rich, waxy-lustrous look. Many are on iron-oxide matrix and display a “classic Spanish” style that is instantly recognizable. Though less common on the market, significant specimens are considered blue-chip historical pyromorphites.

Desirable examples combine stout, well-terminated crystals, even color, and good matrix contrast. As with other closed European localities, provenance enhances value.

Collector’s Guide

Evaluating Specimen Quality

• Color: Saturation and brightness drive value. Neon apple- to lime-green is the most coveted, with Daoping/Yangshuo setting the modern ideal. Clean lemon-yellow can also be striking; caramel or cocoa-brown tones are less broadly popular but can be sought-after from historic localities (El Horcajo, Wheatley). Avoid muddy or dull hues unless compensated by rarity or provenance.

• Luster and Transparency: A “wet,” high resinous luster is quintessential. Many crystals are translucent to opaque, but a gemmy look in tips or edges adds pop. Frosted or matte surfaces are less desirable unless tied to a famous pocket or form.

• Crystal Form: Classic habits include:

  • Stout hexagonal “barrel” prisms, often with hoppered terminations
  • Tight, parallel “pipe-organ” groupings
  • Radiating sprays and acicular mats
  • Stalactitic/botryoidal clusters (notably Bunker Hill) Well-formed, symmetrical terminations and a consistent habit usually improve aesthetics. Dramatic hoppering, skeletal edges, and sharp hexagonal outlines are bonuses.

• Size and Composition: Evenly crystal-covered plates, aesthetic hill-and-valley relief, and pleasing balance on matrix greatly enhance appeal. A single dominant crystal can work if it is stout, lustrous, and perfectly terminated. Matrix that contrasts (white/grey quartz, tan limonite, white baryte) helps green/yellow crystals “pop.”

• Condition: Undamaged terminations are essential. Because pyromorphite can be brittle at tips, inspect edges closely; tiny chips appear as pale spots. Prefer pieces where any contacts are on the back or base and unobtrusive. Repaired stalactites or reattached crystals should be disclosed and will generally lower value relative to unrepaired equivalents.

• Provenance: For classics (Bad Ems, Roughton Gill, Wheatley, El Horcajo), labels and documented histories elevate a specimen far beyond equivalent modern pieces.

Detecting Repairs or Treatments

• Repairs/Reattachments: Common after pocket breakage, especially for larger stalactites or crystals that detached from friable matrix. Look for straight glue lines, slight misalignment of striations, glossy seams, or epoxy fluorescing under longwave UV. Repaired stalactites may show an unnaturally clean junction.

• Polishing: Rare but possible on broken tips—polished surfaces may look too perfect or mirror-smooth compared to natural growth textures.

• Chemical cleaning: Pyromorphite itself tolerates mild acids better than many matrices, but aggressive acid cleaning can etch luster or alter surface texture. Over-cleaned surfaces may look unnaturally matte or “burned.” True color enhancement by heat/irradiation is not typical in specimens; be more wary of repairs than treatments.

Care and Storage

• Handling and Safety: Pyromorphite contains lead. Wash hands after handling and avoid prolonged skin contact or any ingestion risk. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Mechanically, crystals are brittle—support matrix when moving, avoid touching tips, and cushion during transport.

• Light and Temperature: Colors are generally stable to light. Normal display under LED cabinet lighting is fine. Avoid excessive heat or rapid temperature swings; thermal shock can crack crystals or stress repaired joins.

• Cleaning: Start with dry air or a soft brush. If needed, rinse with lukewarm water and a drop of mild dish soap; use a very soft toothbrush around but not on delicate tips. Rinse thoroughly and air-dry. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam; vibrations and heat can crack or detach crystals. Be cautious with acids or rust removers—pyromorphite may survive, but associated matrix (calcite, baryte, limonite) may not; always spot-test and proceed conservatively.

• Storage: Provide padded, individual housing to prevent jostling and scratching. Secure display pieces with a small amount of mineral tack or a fit stand, especially in vibration-prone areas. Label with full locality and, where available, provenance details; documentation is a significant component of value for classic localities.

By focusing on saturated color, bright luster, sharp terminations, and aesthetic composition—backed by good provenance where possible—you can assemble a pyromorphite suite that ranges from historic European classics to modern Chinese showstoppers, each piece a study in the species’ remarkable variety.