Crocoite Gem Guide and Properties Chart

Crocoite was once called “Red Lead Ore” due to its lead content. The name Crocoite comes from "crocon" the Greek word saffron. Specimens are bright yellow, orange, or dark red and typically form as long prismatic crystals. Some of the best examples come from Australia.

General Information

Classification
Optical Properties
Characteristic Physical Properties
Chemistry & Crystallography

Common Name

Crocoite

Species

Crocoite

Transparency

Opaque-Transparent

Dispersion

Strength: Extreme Fire

Refractive Index

Over The Limit 2.290-2.660

Birefringence

0.370

Optic Character

Biaxial

Optic Sign

Positive

Hardness

2.5-3

Streak

yellow-orange

Specific Gravity

5.900-6.100

Toughness

Poor

Luster

Adamantine, Waxy, Resinous, Vitreous

Fracture

conchoidal

Cleavage

distinct

Chemical Name

lead chromate

Chemical Formula

PbCrO₄

Crystal System

Monoclinic

Chemistry Classification

Sulfate

Crocoite Colors

Orange
Yellow
Red

Countries of Origin

Austria; Mozambique; Unknown; China; Russian Federation (the); Brazil; Poland; Slovakia; Chile; France; Jordan; United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (the); Romania; United States of America (the); Canada; Namibia; Congo (the Democratic Republic of the); Italy; Mexico; South Africa; Zimbabwe; Philippines (the); Australia; Germany; Tajikistan

Care

Crocoite is very fragile please take care when handling.