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More About Crocoite
Crocoite was at one point an ore of chromium after the discovery of chromium in the mineral composition in 1798. Crocoite’s usage as chromium ore ceased as crocoite became more rare. The crystals have a monoclinic system with elongate and prismatic structures with vertical striations. These crystals can be hollow and will break easily if handled carelessly. Most often, crystals form in reticulated aggregates or acicular groupings. Crocoite shares a chemical formula with the synthetic lead (II) chromate, or “chrome yellow,” which is a paint pigment.
Where Is Crocoite Found?
Crocoite was originally discovered in Russia and in scattered mines throughout eastern Europe. However, these deposits quickly dwindled and did not produce the large, intricate crystals that we are accustomed to today. Tasmania is currently the primary producer of top quality, large, vibrant crystals. These mines are now dedicated to solely digging for crocoite crystal clusters. Crocoite was named Australia’s country mineral because of their concentrated mining efforts and the general appeal of the mineral. This mineral has also been found in small quantities in Brazil, the U.S., and mainland Australia.
The Adelaide Mine in Tasmania is undoubtedly the world’s most famous producer of crocoite specimens. In the decades the mine has been worked, only a small number of pockets of top quality crocoite have been found. One pocket was located in the 1970s, another in the 1990s, and most of the recent material comes from a single large pocket found in 2010.
A miner working a pocket of crocoite at the Adelaide Mine in Tasmania.
A closer view of a pocket of crocoite at the Adelaide Mine.
Where Does Crocoite Get Its Name?
Historically, crocoite was known as “red lead ore.” Over time, the mineral was renamed on multiple occasions, especially after the presence of chromium was confirmed. The name that eventually stuck was “krokoit,” the German version of its current moniker. This name is derived from the Greek word for saffron, to which powdered crocoite looks very similar.
How Does Crocoite Form?
Crocoite is a secondary mineral that forms in oxidation zones of lead deposits. When the lead in the deposit is exposed to open air and thus water, wind, pressure, or other abrasions, the metal is chemically altered and crocoite forms.
Is Crocoite Toxic?
Because crocoite contains both lead and chromium, which are heavy metals, it is technically toxic. However, as long as the dust and particulates are not ingested or inhaled, it is relatively harmless. A thorough hand washing after handling is highly recommended.
Common Associations
Crocoite is commonly found in association with other lead-based minerals in sedimentary and metamorphic rock formations. These minerals include wulfenite, galena, vanadinite, pyromorphite, and cerussite.
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