Crocoite

specimen number:
2262129

location:
Adelaide Mine, Dundas, Tasmania, Australia

description:
Compact orange red lustrous prismatic crystals of crocoite in a cluster with little attached matrix. Typical of these slight damage present.

The Adelaide Mine, situated in the Dundas mineral field of western Tasmania, Australia, is world-famous as a premier source of the rare lead chromate mineral, crocoite. Geologically, the deposit formed within a weathered gossan zone where lead-rich hydrothermal veins intersected chromium-bearing serpentinite rocks, allowing for the precipitation of vibrant, hyacinth-red monoclinic crystals. These crocoite specimens are highly prized for their elongated, needle-like habits and intense coloration, often occurring in spectacular hollow-faced clusters. Historically, mining and quarrying at the site began in the 1890s following the discovery of silver-lead ores, which fueled the development of the Dundas region. While the mine initially operated as a commercial venture for lead extraction, its significance shifted toward the recovery of mineral specimens as the unique quality of its crocoite became globally recognized. The mine has seen intermittent periods of operation for over a century, including a modern era of specialized specimen mining that has continued into the 2000s.

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