Cerussite
Image: Raimond Spekking (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Mineral NameCerussite
Chemical FormulaPbCO₃
Mohs Hardness3.25
Crystal Systemorthorhombic
Lusteradamantine
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavagedistinct on {110} and {021}
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity6.55
Colorscolorless, white, gray, yellow, brown, blue, green
Transparencytransparent
Type LocalityTsumeb, Namibia
Mineral GroupCarbonates
Useslead ore, collector's specimens
Associated Mineralsmalachite, galena, anglesite, azurite, smithsonite
Rarityuncommon
Description
This specimen features a complex, reticulated aggregate of intergrown, often twinned, colorless to white cerussite crystals, displaying a brilliant adamantine luster.
Geological Context
Cerussite is a secondary mineral formed in the oxidized zone of lead ore deposits, typically resulting from the alteration of galena (PbS) by carbonic acid-rich waters.
