Crocoite

Crocoite

By Tim Matthews, JD, FGA, GG, DGA,
CEO and President of JTV (retired)
Published: June 2014
Modified: January 2022
Crocoite Rough

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

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 Crocoite
    Orange
  • Red Crocoite
    Red
  • Yellow Crocoite
    Yellow

Countries of Origin

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

Care

Crocoite is very fragile please take care when handling.