Crocoite from the Adelaide Mine, Dundas, Tasmania

This crocoite specimen comes from the Adelaide Mine in the Dundas Mineral Field on the west coast of Tasmania. Bright orange-red to scarlet crocoite crystals occur on a dark brown, iron-rich matrix.

The crystals predominantly show a long prismatic to acicular habit and form several groups across the matrix. Their intense color and distinct luster contrast strongly with the dark background. With a length of 5.2 cm, the piece belongs to the small cabinet specimen size category.

Crocoite from the Classic Adelaide Mine Locality

The Adelaide Mine near Dundas is one of the best-known localities for crocoite. This rare lead chromate occurs in the oxidized zones of the deposit, where it forms characteristic orange-red prismatic crystals. The locality is particularly known for intensely colored and well-formed crocoite specimens.

Crocoite is the official mineral emblem of Tasmania. The combination of intense color, acicular crystal habit, and classic provenance makes this specimen a characteristic locality example from the Dundas Mineral Field.

Safety Information

Crocoite is a lead-bearing chromate mineral. The specimen should be kept out of reach of children and should not be handled unnecessarily. Thorough handwashing is recommended after handling. Grinding, cutting, or other activities that could generate mineral dust should be avoided.