Don’t underestimate me, “lead”! The counterattack of “grassroots” minerals

Humans have been using lead for thousands of years. In the early days, when people did not realize the harm of lead to the environment and health, the benefits of lead such as easy mining, easy processing and low cost were irresistible.

Lead (Picture from the Internet, please delete if infringed)

Since lead is sulfur-philic, galena (lead sulfide), which has a very high lead content and is very common, is an important mineral for extracting lead. Moreover, there are many types of lead-containing minerals. Along with the heavyweight big guys, there are naturally less important juniors, such as today's protagonist - pyromorphite.

Pyromorphite specimens in the collection

Pyromorphite belongs to the apatite family of minerals. It is a secondary product formed by the interaction of phosphoric acid-containing surface water with primary minerals such as galena, apatite, and arsenopyrite. Therefore, it is produced in the surface oxidation zone of lead deposits. It has long been used as a marker for finding other important lead-containing minerals (galena, lead-zinc ore, etc.) and plays a role as a runner-up. In the industry of lead extraction, which is seriously involuted, the only way to stand out is to find another way. Pyromorphite began to review its strengths and weaknesses.

First of all, the appearance is different from the dull and solemn impression given by lead. As a lead-containing mineral, pyromorphite has a very bright color, usually dark green, grass green or yellowish green. The crystals are often in the shape of hexagonal columns (similar to emeralds among gems, but thick in the middle and thinner at both ends). The top is concave, and the clustering makes it look like a small box garden planted with lush green grass. It is very delicate and pleasing to the eye. When illuminated by light, the concave top surface will converge the light, making the crystal look brighter, producing a visual effect different from flat-topped crystals (such as emeralds) or conical-topped crystals (such as crystals).

Pyromorphite specimens in the collection

This unique ornamental quality inspired the counterattack of pyromorphite, which is to rely on its appearance. This trick worked. Pyromorphite was favored by mineral crystal collectors and was selected as the theme mineral at the 38th Tucson Gem and Mineral Show in the United States in 1992.

Tucson Gem and Mineral Exhibition, USA (Picture from the Internet, please delete if infringed)

However, for lead-containing minerals, extracting lead is its main business after all. Although it has not done much, it seems unwilling to leave like this. After examining its pyrochloroformite again, it found that its lead content was as high as 82%, which was not much lower than the 86% of the galena boss. The reason why it was not valued was largely because of the large number and wide distribution of galena. Its output was pitifully small, so it was naturally useless in this industry. This shortcoming inspired it again. The output was pitifully small? Only low EQ would say so, while high EQ would say it was precious and rare! Maybe it can work hard towards gemstones. At least it already has the two essential characteristics of gemstones, namely beauty and rarity. As long as it has excellent processability and durability, it will be all right.

Galena specimens in the collection

But these two points have become stumbling blocks on its road to success. The Mohs hardness is 3.5-4, which obviously does not meet the passing line of 7 for gem durability. Its fragile physique is another reason why it is not valued as a lead-containing mineral (it is difficult to collect during mining). It is not easy to process it into jewelry. Even if it is made, it is easy to break when worn. What's more, it contains a high amount of lead. Although it is okay to wear it for a short time, it is still toxic if it comes into contact with the skin for a long time.

Fragile and lead-containing pyromorphite is not suitable for jewelry (Picture from the Internet, please delete if infringed)

Although the dream of entering the gem circle has been shattered, the fans of pyromorphite as a natural mineral crystal or ornamental stone are increasing day by day. The price of natural specimens with good appearance is rising day by day, especially the pyromorphite specimens produced in Guangxi. There are records of specimens with good color, beautiful shape and good crystal integrity being sold for more than 100,000 yuan.

From an unknown to a hot commodity, the counterattack of pyrochlorophosphate not only tells us that every mineral resource in nature has its own use, the key lies in how to reasonably develop and utilize it, but it is also like the struggle history of a small person. Not only do we have to work hard, but we also have to know how to work hard. More importantly, we have to face ourselves squarely and give ourselves an accurate positioning.