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Glite Dictionary
pyromorphite

pyromorphite

9.9
A green to brown mineral that has lead and phosphate found in old lead mines
  • noun
  • /ˌpaɪrəˈmɔrfɪt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : piromorfita
  • The brilliant green crystals of pyromorphite caught the attention of mineral collectors.

Examples

  • Geologists identified pyromorphite as a minor ore of lead in the old mine.

  • Under the microscope, pyromorphite displays a hexagonal crystal structure.

  • The pyromorphite crystals were stunning in the museum.

  • Many collectors seek pyromorphite for its unique color.

  • Geologists identified pyromorphite as a minor ore of lead in the old mine.

  • The brilliant green crystals of pyromorphite caught the attention of mineral collectors.

  • Many collectors seek pyromorphite for its unique color.

Synonyms

green lead ore
vspyromorphite
  • Specialized
9.9

A green rock that contains lead and gives small amounts of lead when processed

gives the mineral's typical colours and its geological occurrence

Surface Forms

pyromorphite singular
pyromorphites plural

Morphology

pyromorphite = pyro + morph + ite

Although the name can be segmented into classical elements roughly meaning 'fire' and 'form' plus the mineral suffix '-ite', the specific mineral sense is not predictable for an average learner.

Etymology

Pyromorphite comes from Greek parts pyro- meaning 'fire' and -morph meaning 'form', the same 'pyro' you see in pyrotechnics and the 'morph' in the English word morph for 'shape'. So the name hints at a mineral whose form is linked with heat, a handy way to remember this lead mineral known for its bright crystal shapes.