Phosgenite
A variety of Minerals
What is Phosgenite?
Phosgenite is a rare, lead-containing mineral that forms lustrous, angular crystals. Though most specimens are colorless or pale yellow-brown, rare individuals may take on hues varying from pale green to light pink to violet-grey. The crystals exhibit fluorescence, glowing when exposed to certain lights. Phosgenite has few commercial or industrial uses, though outstanding crystal formations are highly sought-after by collectors.
Optical Properties
- Refractive Index
- 2.117-2.145
- Birefringence
- 0.028
- Pleochroism
- Weak
- Optical Character
- Biaxial positive
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Phosgenite before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Phosgenite Localities Map
See where Phosgenite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Formation of Phosgenite
The name phosgenite was given by August Breithaupt in 1820, from phosgene, carbon oxychloride, because the mineral contains the elements carbon, oxygen and chlorine. It was found associated with anglesite and matlockite in cavities within altered galena in a lead mine at Cromford, near Matlock: hence its common name cromfordite. Crystals are also found in galena at Monteponi near Iglesias in Sardinia, and near Dundas in Tasmania. It has also been reported from Laurium, Greece; Tarnowitz, Poland; the Altai district, Siberia; the Touissit mine, near Oujda, Morocco; Sidi Amor ben Salem, Tunisia; Tsumeb, Namibia; Broken Hill, New South Wales; and Boleo, near Santa Rosalia, Baja California. In the US it has been reported from the Terrible mine, Custer County, Colorado; the Stevenson-Bennett mine, Organ Mountains, Doña Ana County, New Mexico; and the Mammoth mine, Tiger, Pinal County, Arizona. Crystals of phosgenite, and also of the corresponding bromine compound PbBr2CO3, have been prepared artificially.
Health & Safety Information
- ⚠️Phosgenite dust is toxic because it contains heavy metals Lead.
- ⚠️Lead
- ⚠️It's advisable to handle phosgenite carefully to avoid generating dust and wash hands thoroughly afterward. When cutting or polishing phosgenite, wear a dust mask to prevent inhaling heavy metal particles. Store phosgenite in a sealed container in a well-ventilated area, away from children and pets. For those involved in crystal healing, never put it in your mouth.
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Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Colourless, white, yellow, brown, greenish, pink, colourless in transmitted light
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 2 - 3
- Density
- 6.124 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Adamantine
- Crystal System
- Tetragonal
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- Pb2CO3Cl2
- Elements
- C, Cl, O, Pb
Also Known As
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Phosgenite FAQs
How do I identify Phosgenite?
Phosgenite can be identified by its hardness of 2 - 3 on the Mohs scale, Colourless color, Adamantine luster, Tetragonal crystal system. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Phosgenite?
Phosgenite typically appears in Colourless, white, yellow, brown, greenish, pink, colourless in transmitted light. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Phosgenite?
Phosgenite has a hardness of 2 - 3 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a soft mineral that can be scratched easily.
What is the formation of phosgenite of Phosgenite?
The name phosgenite was given by August Breithaupt in 1820, from phosgene, carbon oxychloride, because the mineral contains the elements carbon, oxygen and chlorine. It was found associated with anglesite and matlockite in cavities within altered galena in a lead mine at Cromford, near Matlock: hence its common name cromfordite. Crystals are also found in galena at Monteponi near Iglesias in Sardinia, and near Dundas in Tasmania. It has also been reported from Laurium, Greece; Tarnowitz, Poland; the Altai district, Siberia; the Touissit mine, near Oujda, Morocco; Sidi Amor ben Salem, Tunisia; Tsumeb, Namibia; Broken Hill, New South Wales; and Boleo, near Santa Rosalia, Baja California. In the US it has been reported from the Terrible mine, Custer County, Colorado; the Stevenson-Bennett mine, Organ Mountains, Doña Ana County, New Mexico; and the Mammoth mine, Tiger, Pinal County, Arizona. Crystals of phosgenite, and also of the corresponding bromine compound PbBr2CO3, have been prepared artificially.
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