Plumbogummite replacing Pyromorphite

specimen number:
2072210

location:
Laohuan Mine, Gongcheng Co., Guangxi, China

description:
Prismatic crystals of pyromorphite across the front of matrix, these in the process of being replaced by plumbogummite. In good condition.

The Laohuan Mine, located in Gongcheng County within the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China, is a significant site for secondary lead and phosphate minerals. Geologically, the deposit is situated within the oxidized zone of a polymetallic ore body, where primary sulfide minerals underwent extensive weathering in a tropical to subtropical environment. The locality is world famous for its exceptional pseudomorphs, specifically the replacement of hexagonal pyromorphite crystals by plumbogummite. In these specimens, the original green or yellow pyromorphite is replaced by sky-blue to turquoise-blue plumbogummite, often retaining the distinct prismatic crystal habit of the parent mineral. Historically, the mine was operated primarily for lead and zinc, with significant mineral specimen production coming to the attention of the international market during the late 1990s and early 2000s. While industrial-scale mining has seen periods of inactivity, the site remains a premier Chinese locality for collectors due to the vibrant color and sharp form of these unique mineral replacements.

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