Pyromorphite on barite France

Pyromorphite on barite from the Farges mine in France (old collection from the 1980s).

Stone dimensions: L: 2.36 inches x W: 1.38 inches x H: 1.57 inches (L: 60mm x W: 35mm x H: 40mm).

Weight with the base: 7.58 oz (215g).

Pyromorphite has the chemical formula Pb₅(PO₄)₃Cl: it is composed mainly of lead, phosphate and chlorine.

Hardness on the Mohs scale: Pyromorphite's hardness is between 3.5 and 4 on the Mohs scale.

Density: The density of pyromorphite varies from 6.5 to 7.1 g/cm³.

Colour and possible variations: Pyromorphite can be green, yellow, orange or brown. The green colour is due to the presence of copper, while other impurities can cause colour variations.

Cleaning: 

Clean pyromorphite with warm water and mild soap. Use a soft brush to remove embedded dirt. Rinse well with warm water and dry with a soft cloth.