Pyromorphite–Mimetite on Quartz

Description

A colourful Daoping specimen with apple-green to yellow-green crystal growth across a rugged, pale quartz-rich matrix. Small prismatic crystals and sparkling drusy surfaces fill the natural recesses, giving this piece texture and depth.

From the Daoping Mine in Gongcheng County, Guilin, Guangxi, China, this 246.51 g specimen shows green crystal groups across an irregular quartz-rich host rock. Bright apple-green areas, softer yellow-green patches and fine drusy surfaces contrast with the cream and rust-coloured matrix. The uneven shape presents different details as it is turned.

Pyromorphite–Mimetite is the supplied mineral identification. These closely related minerals can form a compositional series, and colour alone cannot establish which mineral predominates in each crystal.

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 9.6 × 6 × 3.6 cm, with a recorded weight of 246.51 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.