GeoPicture of the Week: Pyromorphite

Pyromorphite is as awesome as it sounds. The mineral is composed of lead chlorophosphate: Pb₅(PO₄)₃Cl, sometimes occurring in sufficient abundance to be mined as an ore of lead. However, most of the time, it is found as a secondary mineral in the oxidized zones of lead ore deposits.

The color of the mineral is usually some bright shade of green, yellow or brown, and the luster is resinous. The individual crystals are often modified or etched, giving a hopper-like appearance.