Pyromorphite

Pyromorphite (lead chloro-phosphate) was a common mineral of the oxidised zone of the Broken Hill orebody, and exceptional specimens of various crystal forms and colours were found. Some examples were yellow and some brown, while others were green. Their crystal habits varied from almost needle-like to thick barrels. This example illustrates one of those forms – large, barrel-shaped, six-sided, clove-brown crystals bristling all over the specimen.

Specimen details

Origin

150 ft (46 m) depth, BHP Block 14 Mine, Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia
Size

9.5 x 14 x 7 cm
Date

Registered 1907
Collection number

D.19540
Collection

George Smith Collection
On display

Featured in the Westpac Long Gallery

It was purchased from legendary collector George Smith in 1907 as part of a large collection of 1500 mineral specimens. In 1927 the Australian Museum purchased 1700 specimens from Smith, with half the purchase price of £500 being donated by Zinc Corporation, Broken Hill South, and North Broken Hill Mines.