CROCOITE

HISTORY, NAME, LOCALITIES: Crocoite, pronounced CROW-keh-ite, was recognized as a new mineral species in 1761.  Its name stems from the Greek krokos, meaning “saffron,” alluding to its bright, saffron-like color.  Crocoite is collected in Australia (Tasmania), Austria, Mexico, Russia, Germany, Canada, and the United States (California, Arizona).

MINERALOGY, PROPERTIES, OCCURRENCE: Crocoite [lead chromate, PbCrO₄] crystallizes in the monoclinic system as long, thin, prismatic crystals with generally square cross sections.  Crystals are transparent to translucent, striated lengthwise, and have diagnostic, bright, orange-red to orange colors.  Crocoite has a Mohs hardness of 2.5-3.0, an adamantine luster, distinct cleavage in one direction, a conchoidal-to-uneven fracture, and a high specific gravity of 5.9-6.1.  Although rare, it is the most abundant of all chromate minerals.  Crocoite is a secondary mineral that forms in the oxidation zones of lead-rich, hydrothermal deposits in association with such minerals as cerussite, wulfenite, and vanadinite.

METAPHYSICAL PROPERTIES, LORE, USES: Crocoite was first used as an orange pigment in paints and dyes in the 1700s.  Until the 1850s, it was the only ore of chromium.  Crocoite is still used today as a pigment called “chrome yellow” in specialty oil paints for the visual arts.  Transparent crocoite crystals are sometimes faceted into collectors’ gems.  According to metaphysical beliefs, crocoite enhances intuition, charisma, vitality, strength and spirituality, while helping to adapt to changing situations and to overcome emotional and mental distress.

COLLECTORS’ INFORMATION: Crocoite is widely collected for its rarity, unusual chemistry, bright color, and distinctive crystal form.