Pyromorphite

specimen number:
2063246

location:
Wheatley Mines, Schuylkill, Chester Co., Pennsylvania, USA

description:
Good reference quality example for this classic Pennsylvania locality. Part of one side of matrix is covered with glistening green prismatic crystals of pyromorphite averaging 0.2 cm in size. In good condition. The specimen comes with a previous label from the collection of Ray DeMark.

The Wheatley Mines, located in Schuylkill Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania, sit within the Phoenixville mining district and feature hydrothermal quartz veins cutting through Precambrian gneiss and Paleozoic country rock containing primary sulfide mineralization. Opened in 1851 by mining engineer Charles M. Wheatley, the site targeted veins rich in lead and zinc sulfides, undergoing intermittent periods of active extraction through the mid-19th century and brief revivals into the early 20th century. While commercial mining operations ultimately ceased due to economic and logistical pressures, the extensive underground workings and surface dumps became world-renowned among mineral collectors and museums for producing exceptional secondary lead specimens, particularly vibrant green pyromorphite crystals.

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