This series is a little different than most chemical series which involve substitution of cations such as calcium for magnesium. Pyromorphite can make identification between the two difficult, but usually pyromorphite is green and mimetite is yellow. Vanadinite is usually red. Pyromorphite's main characteristic is its unique crystal habit of stacked barrel shaped crystals that branch out in a way that is reminescent of some branching cactus varieties.
Color is typically green, but can also be yellow, orange and brown.
Luster is resinous to adamantine. Crystals are rarely transparent, but usually translucent. A classic specimen of Pyromorphite shows its arborescent habit as described above. Also granular, reniform, encrusting and massive. Cleavage is absent.