Pyromorphite–Mimetite Crystal Specimen

Description

Vivid lime-green to apple-green crystal sprays rise from a pale, quartz-rich matrix. The clustered prismatic growth and fine sparkling druse give this 434 g Daoping specimen a striking sculptural form.

This cabinet specimen from the Daoping Mine in Gongcheng, Guilin, Guangxi, China, features closely grouped green prismatic crystals over a natural pale matrix. Their colour moves from electric chartreuse to softer apple green. Fine drusy areas catch the light around the larger sprays and continue down the side of the piece.

Its upright crystal growth and exposed quartz-rich host rock create contrast from several viewing angles. The Pyromorphite–Mimetite association is the supplied identification; the relative proportion of the two minerals has not been analytically established. No restoration is reported.

The finer crystalline growth described here adds another scale of detail to the specimen. Many small faces contribute to the sparkling surface, while the larger outline establishes its overall form. That combination is worth appreciating beyond the main colour: surface texture, spacing and the distribution of growth all help distinguish this individual piece.

The accompanying Quartz brings a silicate crystal habit into the association. Its surfaces and crystal outlines contrast with the featured mineral, giving the specimen more than one kind of growth to examine. The way the minerals occupy the same piece is part of its character: the setting retains their natural relationship and adds depth to the overall display.

Pyromorphite is a lead phosphate mineral of the apatite group. It forms as a secondary mineral in the oxidised parts of lead deposits. Its crystals can be elongated, short and barrel-like, or gathered into branching and rounded groups. These varied habits make the layout of the crystal growth an important part of a specimen’s character.

Its lustre is often described as resinous, rather than the metallic shine of an ore sulphide. Green, yellow and brown colours all occur in the species. Individual crystals and the smaller growth around them can provide very different textures within the same piece. For a collector, crystal form and the way it sits on the matrix offer useful details beyond the overall colour.

The recorded origin is Daoping Mine, Gongcheng, Guilin, Guangxi, China. The locality and mineral associations follow the information supplied with this specimen. Its individual growth and matrix provide the visual details described here.

The specimen measures 9.5 × 7 × 6 cm, with a recorded weight of 434 g. The proportions give a useful guide to its place in a display, with the individual crystal arrangement and mineral association remaining the principal points of interest.

Support the stable matrix or the supplied mount when moving the specimen, avoiding pressure on projecting growth. A secure indoor display allows its natural form and surface detail to be appreciated while protecting exposed crystal edges.