pyromorphite

[ pahy-ruh-mawr-fahyt ]

noun

1. a mineral, lead chlorophosphate, Pb 5 P 3 O 1 2 Cl, occurring in crystalline and massive forms, and of a green, yellow, or brown color; green lead ore: a minor ore of lead.

pyromorphite

/ ˌpaɪrəʊˈmɔːfaɪt /

noun

1. a green, yellow, brown, or grey secondary mineral that consists of lead chloro-phosphate in the form of hexagonal crystals. Formula: Pb 5 Cl(PO 4 ) 3

Word History and Origins

Origin of pyromorphite¹

From the German word Pyromorphit, dating back to 1805–15. See pyro-, morph-, -ite ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of pyromorphite¹

C19: from German Pyromorphit, from pyro- + Greek morphē form + -ite ¹, an allusion to the fact that it assumes a crystalline form when heated

Example Sentences

Descloizite occurs in veins of lead ores in association with pyromorphite, vanadinite, wulfenite, &c.

From Project Gutenberg

For the assay of pyromorphite the following charge may be used:—Ore, 20 grams; "soda," 25 grams; tartar, 7 grams; and fluor spar, 5 grams; and 2 grams of borax as a cover.

From Project Gutenberg