Pyromorphite

A wood-like core of partially dissolved stalactitic Goethite has the majority of its surface covered with toffee-orange Pyromorphite crystals ranging between 2 and 12 mm long, the crystal size gradually increasing towards the top of the specimen. This Pyromorphite shows yet another habit and colour from the classic locality at the Les Farges mine at Ussel in Limousin, France. To complete the specimen, about ten of the crystals across the top have part-castellated terminations of a rich lime-green, making a stunning contrast against the toffee-orange background. A splendid miniature from Les Farges displaying yet again very different characterises from the more common Pyromorphites frequently seen.