How do I identify Crocoite?

Crocoite can be identified by its hardness of 2.5 - 3 on the Mohs scale, Orange color, Resinous, Waxy, Sub-vitreous, Sub-adamantine luster, Monoclinic crystal system. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Crocoite?

Crocoite typically appears in Orange, red, yellow, orange-red in transmitted light. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

How hard is Crocoite?

Crocoite has a hardness of 2.5 - 3 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a soft mineral that can be scratched easily.

Crocoite

A variety of Minerals

Rare

What is Crocoite?

Crocoite is a highly-sought but rare mineral, prized for its beautiful deep orange-red color. It once was a main ore of Chromium, but now it's rarely used for that purpose. This eye-catching mineral is, unfortunately, too fragile to be used for jewelry, but it's still prized by mineral collectors. It is toxic.

Etymology & Origins

It was discovered at the Berezovskoe Au Deposit (Berezovsk Mines) near Ekaterinburg in the Urals in 1766; and named crocoise by F. S. Beudant in 1832, from the Greek κρόκος (krokos), saffron, in allusion to its color, a name first altered to crocoisite and afterwards to crocoite. In the type locality the crystals are found in gold-bearing quartz-veins traversing granite or gneiss and associated with crocoite are quartz, embreyite, phoenicochroite and vauquelinite. Phoenicochroite is a basic lead chromate, Pb2CrO5 with dark red crystals, and vauquelinite a lead and copper phosphate-chromate, Pb2CuCrO4PO4OH, with brown or green monoclinic crystals. Vauquelinite was named after Louis Nicolas Vauquelin, who in 1797 discovered (simultaneously with and independently of M. H. Klaproth) the element chromium in crocoite.

Uses & Applications

Crocoite was once used as an ore of chromium, but is now so rare that this is not commercially viable. Instead, specimens from Tasmania and Russia, the two main sources, are highly desired by collectors.

Healing Properties

Crocoite is said to have a high frequency that will energize the whole body. Its positive action stimulates creativity and restores passion. It is often kept in the bedroom to improve sexual relationships, improve vitality, and allow the user to see the joy in everyday events. It connects the Base and Heart chakras to create a strong spiritual bond that promotes a sense of love and understanding.

Optical Properties

Refractive Index: 2.31-2.66
Birefringence: 0.35
Pleochroism: Distinctly trichroic
Optical Character: Biaxial positive

Crocoite Market Value Calculator

Estimate the market value of Crocoite using size, quality, and finish. This preview calculator is for quick context and is not a formal appraisal.

Crocoite Localities Map

See where Crocoite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.

Map preview

North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

The Meaning

Crocoite is a birthstone for the sign of Aries. It was declared the official state mineral of Tasmania, Australia in 2000. It was used as a paint pigment to decorate the walls of Nefertari's tomb in Thebes in Egypt. Furthermore, it was used to to paint murals in the church of St. Gallus in northern Bohemia in today's Czech Republic

Associated Chakras

Root

Heart

Crown

Health & Safety Information

⚠️Harm Reason: Crocoite dust is toxic because it contains heavy metals Hexavalent Chromium, Lead.
⚠️Heavy Metal: Hexavalent_Chromium, Lead
⚠️How to prevent the risks of Crocoite?