Daoping Pyromorphite Box Collection · 48.22 g

Description

A small matrix specimen with lime-green Pyromorphite crystals gathered around pockets and across the warm brown host rock. Fine sparkling growth and brighter green crystals near the top provide contrast in a compact boxed display.

This piece separated from one of my larger specimens from Daoping Mine, Gongcheng County, Guilin, Guangxi, China. It retains the locality of the parent specimen. The break surface is part of its condition and is reflected in the price.

The dimensions refer to the mineral specimen. The glass base and box are included.

At around 5 cm, this piece is a miniature specimen in my Thumbnail Box Collection. Please look closely at the photographs for natural edges, crystal surfaces and contact areas.

You will receive the exact specimen photographed. Colour may vary with lighting and screen settings.

The crossing arrangement described above is an important part of the specimen’s silhouette. It lets the direction of individual crystals be followed through the group, with open spaces making their outlines more apparent. Intersecting crystals alone do not establish a specific twin law; here the description concerns the visible arrangement rather than a laboratory-confirmed crystallographic relationship.

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 County, Guilin, Guangxi, China. Within a collection of Pyromorphite specimens, this locality gives the piece a geographical identity alongside its particular crystal habit and natural setting.

The specimen measures 50 × 33 × 23 mm, with a recorded weight of 48.22 g. Its compact presentation makes it suitable for a boxed mineral collection, where the individual crystals and their association can be appreciated at close range.

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.