Locality
Information
about crystals/mineral specimens from this location
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This
specimen of PYROMORPHITE with CERUSSITE comes from the
Shallow Adit, Camaderry Mine, Glendasan, County Wicklow, Ireland.
I found this rare example of Irish pyromorphite while out at the Tucson
Gem, Rock and Mineral Show.
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Mineralogy
Facts
about gems, rocks and minerals
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Pyromorphite
shares the same structure with apatite and therefore crystals of the
two will have similar shapes. Pyromorphite also forms a chemical series
with two other minerals; Mimetite (Pb5(AsO4)3Cl) and Vanadinite (Pb5(VO4)3Cl).
This series is a little different than most chemical series which involve
substitution of cations such as calcium for magnesium. Instead, this
series substitutes its basic chemical units the anion groups; phosphate
(PO4), arsenate (AsO4) and vanadate (VO4). Green Mimetite or yellow
Pyromorphite can make identification between the two difficult, but
usually pyromorphite is green and mimetite is yellow. Vanadinite is
usually red. Pyromorphite's main characteristic is its unique crystal
habit of stacked barrel shaped crystals that branch out in a way that
is reminescent of some branching cactus varieties.
Cerussite
is a popular collection mineral. It is famous for its great sparkle,
great density and amazing twinned crystals. Cerussite is a minor ore
of lead. It has a very high luster due mostly to the lead content. Just
as leaded crystal glass sparkles more brilliantly because of its lead
content, so too does cerussite. The lead raises the index or refraction
of cerussite to just over 2.07. The lead is also responsible for its
increased specific gravity. Cerussite has one of the highest densities
for a transparent mineral. It is over six and a half times as dense
as water. Most rocks and minerals average only around three times the
density of water.
Crystallographers can appreciate cerussite's sparkle and density; but
it is cerussite's wonderfully twinned crystals that get them excited!
This mineral can form some geometrically intricate structures and spoked
star shapes that simply are amazing. Cerussite belongs to the Aragonite
Group of minerals. A group that as a whole is well known for twinning
with commonly twinned members such as aragonite, witherite and strontianite
Twinning is most definitely common in cerussite and besides the intricate
structures mentioned already, singular twins are also interesting. There
are three basic types of twinning in cerussite: Elbow or chevron shaped
twins, cyclic twins and last but not least, reticulated twins. The elbow
or chevron shaped twins are the most common and are generally seen on
most specimens. The cryslic twins often form star shapes with six "spokes"
extending from the star. Very beautiful! The reticulated twins are classics
and form complex interconnected beams of crystals. So intricate are
these specimens they appear to have been constructed. They truly are
an awesome mineralogical wonder. Cerussite twins are a must for collectors
who are fond of twinned crystals.
Cerussite
is found in the oxidation zone of lead deposits usually associated with
galena. Some specimens show cerussite crusts around a galena core as
the oxidation was "caught in the act" so to speak. Cerussite
can make nice associations with galena and another lead mineral anglesite,
a yellow colored, lead sulfate. Cerussite is simply a classic!
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Metaphysics
Information
about crystal, gem and mineral metaphysics and healing
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People
interested in metaphysics and crystal healing tell us that pyromorphite
is a special stone used in healing situations to enhance the energy
of the other stones in use. Those minerals placed in the energy field
of this stone become further stimulated. It is a stone for "victory"
and it provides oracular and prophetic abilities. It also stimulated
personal energy and brings a freshness in attitude and direction.
They also tell
us that cerussite produces an incentive to go for one's dreams without
restraint. This mineral produces friendship, harmony, and love, and
provide insight into the relationship connection. It also initiates
independence and motivation, assisting one in attaining personal freedom
from the "requirements" of others. It can be an emotional
cathartic, allowing for release of trapped feelings, and bringing calm
and self-assurance to the inner state. Barite can be used to stimulate
vision and to assist in recovery from addictions.
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