Rare Crocoite – Red Lead Mine High Quality Fine Mineral Specimen

$115.00

Locality – Red Lead Mine, Dundas, Tasmania, Australia

Description

A striking Crocoite specimen featuring a dense, radiating cluster of elongated prismatic crystals in vivid orange-red hues. The piece is defined by its layered growth, where sharp, glassy crystals emerge from a finely textured base of microcrystalline Crocoite.

The upper crystal clusters display exceptional clarity and definition, while the lower regions transition into a shimmering carpet of smaller crystals, giving the specimen a natural gradient of structure and scale. This interplay between bold crystal development and fine detail makes the piece visually engaging from every angle.

Dimensions & Weight

1.75” x 1.5” x 1”
93 grams

Metaphysical Properties 

Crocoite is often associated with vitality, creativity, and energetic activation. Its vivid coloration is said to stimulate motivation and inspire forward movement, making it a favored stone for those seeking renewed passion or direction. Many believe it helps align intention with action, encouraging confidence and personal expression.

Highlights

  • Rich orange-red coloration with strong saturation and depth

  • Bright vitreous to adamantine luster on well-formed crystal faces

  • Distinct radiating prismatic crystal clusters with sharp terminations

  • Layered growth structure, transitioning from larger crystals to fine drusy coverage

  • Excellent textural contrast enhancing visual complexity and display appeal

Collector’s Notes

This specimen represents a classic Dundas Crocoite habit, combining sharp crystal form with a naturally layered growth pattern. The transition from bold, elongated crystals to dense microcrystalline coverage adds dimension and rewards close inspection.

Crocoite from Tasmania is among the most recognizable mineral specimens in the world, and pieces from the Red Lead Mine are particularly sought after for their richness of color and classic crystal development.

The Red Lead Mine, located in the Dundas mineral field of western Tasmania, is one of the most historically significant Crocoite localities. Discovered in the late 19th century, the mine was initially worked for lead but quickly became renowned for producing some of the finest Crocoite specimens ever found. Dundas Crocoite has since become the global standard for the species, prized for its intense coloration and well-formed crystals.

Mineralogy 

Crocoite is a lead chromate mineral (PbCrO₄) and a member of the chromate group. It crystallizes in the monoclinic system, most commonly forming elongated prismatic crystals with striated faces and a vitreous to adamantine luster.

Its vibrant orange to red coloration is due to the presence of chromium, and specimens from Tasmania—particularly Dundas—are considered the finest examples globally. Crocoite typically forms in the oxidized zones of lead ore deposits, often associated with minerals such as cerussite, anglesite, and limonite.

Locality – Red Lead Mine, Dundas, Tasmania, Australia

Description

A striking Crocoite specimen featuring a dense, radiating cluster of elongated prismatic crystals in vivid orange-red hues. The piece is defined by its layered growth, where sharp, glassy crystals emerge from a finely textured base of microcrystalline Crocoite.

The upper crystal clusters display exceptional clarity and definition, while the lower regions transition into a shimmering carpet of smaller crystals, giving the specimen a natural gradient of structure and scale. This interplay between bold crystal development and fine detail makes the piece visually engaging from every angle.

Dimensions & Weight

1.75” x 1.5” x 1”
93 grams

Metaphysical Properties 

Crocoite is often associated with vitality, creativity, and energetic activation. Its vivid coloration is said to stimulate motivation and inspire forward movement, making it a favored stone for those seeking renewed passion or direction. Many believe it helps align intention with action, encouraging confidence and personal expression.

Highlights

  • Rich orange-red coloration with strong saturation and depth

  • Bright vitreous to adamantine luster on well-formed crystal faces

  • Distinct radiating prismatic crystal clusters with sharp terminations

  • Layered growth structure, transitioning from larger crystals to fine drusy coverage

  • Excellent textural contrast enhancing visual complexity and display appeal

Collector’s Notes

This specimen represents a classic Dundas Crocoite habit, combining sharp crystal form with a naturally layered growth pattern. The transition from bold, elongated crystals to dense microcrystalline coverage adds dimension and rewards close inspection.

Crocoite from Tasmania is among the most recognizable mineral specimens in the world, and pieces from the Red Lead Mine are particularly sought after for their richness of color and classic crystal development.

The Red Lead Mine, located in the Dundas mineral field of western Tasmania, is one of the most historically significant Crocoite localities. Discovered in the late 19th century, the mine was initially worked for lead but quickly became renowned for producing some of the finest Crocoite specimens ever found. Dundas Crocoite has since become the global standard for the species, prized for its intense coloration and well-formed crystals.

Mineralogy 

Crocoite is a lead chromate mineral (PbCrO₄) and a member of the chromate group. It crystallizes in the monoclinic system, most commonly forming elongated prismatic crystals with striated faces and a vitreous to adamantine luster.

Its vibrant orange to red coloration is due to the presence of chromium, and specimens from Tasmania—particularly Dundas—are considered the finest examples globally. Crocoite typically forms in the oxidized zones of lead ore deposits, often associated with minerals such as cerussite, anglesite, and limonite.