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Crocoite mermaid

This mermaid was inspired by one of my favourite mineral Crocoite. I was always fascinated by Crocoite’s odd monoclinic crystal shape somehow and bright hyacinth-red colour. She is a bit different from my other mermaids.

Crocoite is a mineral consisting of lead chromate, PbCrO4, and crystallizing in the monoclinic crystal system. Crocoite was at one time a main ore of chromium, but it is now too rare to be used.

The relative rarity of crocoite is connected with the specific conditions required for its formation: an oxidation zone of lead ore bed and the presence of ultramafic rocks serving as the source of chromium (in chromite). Oxidation of Cr3+ into CrO42− (from chromite) and decomposition of galena (or other primary lead minerals) are required for crocoite formation. These conditions are relatively rare on Earth.

Crocoite, originally called "Red Lead Ore," has several other historical names. Its current recognized name was established by German mineralogist August Breithaupt as "Krokoit", which has been anglicized to its present name of Crocoite. Its name is derived from the Greek word for saffron, alluding to the colour and habit of saffron threads which very much resemble this mineral.

Fun fact: It is identical in composition with the artificial product chrome yellow (PY34) used as a paint pigment.

Geology.com,mindat.org, Wikipedia, gemselect.com, /www.minerals.net

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Description

Crocoite mermaid

This mermaid was inspired by one of my favourite mineral Crocoite. I was always fascinated by Crocoite’s odd monoclinic crystal shape somehow and bright hyacinth-red colour. She is a bit different from my other mermaids.

Crocoite is a mineral consisting of lead chromate, PbCrO4, and crystallizing in the monoclinic crystal system. Crocoite was at one time a main ore of chromium, but it is now too rare to be used.

The relative rarity of crocoite is connected with the specific conditions required for its formation: an oxidation zone of lead ore bed and the presence of ultramafic rocks serving as the source of chromium (in chromite). Oxidation of Cr3+ into CrO42− (from chromite) and decomposition of galena (or other primary lead minerals) are required for crocoite formation. These conditions are relatively rare on Earth.

Crocoite, originally called "Red Lead Ore," has several other historical names. Its current recognized name was established by German mineralogist August Breithaupt as "Krokoit", which has been anglicized to its present name of Crocoite. Its name is derived from the Greek word for saffron, alluding to the colour and habit of saffron threads which very much resemble this mineral.

Fun fact: It is identical in composition with the artificial product chrome yellow (PY34) used as a paint pigment.

Geology.com,mindat.org, Wikipedia, gemselect.com, /www.minerals.net

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