PYROMORPHITE (miniature)

Pyromorphite is a mineral species characterized by its composition of lead chlorophosphate, represented by the formula Pb5(PO4)3Cl, and can be found in sufficient quantities to be extracted as a lead ore. It typically forms crystals that exhibit a hexagonal prism shape, often capped with basal planes and occasionally featuring narrow hexagonal pyramid faces. Barrel-shaped crystals are also relatively common, alongside globular and reniform aggregates. As a member of the apatite mineral group, pyromorphite closely resembles mimetite and vanadinite, making it challenging to differentiate them without chemical analysis. Historically, these minerals were collectively referred to as green lead ore and brown lead ore. The phosphate was first chemically identified by M. H. Klaproth in 1784, and the name pyromorphite was assigned by J. F. L. Hausmann in 1813, derived from Greek terms meaning "fire" and "form," reflecting its crystallization properties post-melting.