Cerussite
Image: Ivar Leidus (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
Colorspale yellow, brownish, white, gray, colorless
Transparencytransparent
Type LocalityNakhlak mine, Anarak, Esfahan, Iran
Mineral GroupCarbonates
Useslead ore, collector
Associated Mineralsgalena, anglesite, sphalerite, pyromorphite, malachite
Rarityuncommon
Description
This specimen features a radiating cluster of pale yellowish-brown, translucent, prismatic cerussite crystals forming a spiky, intricate aggregate.
Geological Context
Cerussite is a common secondary mineral found in the oxidized zone of lead ore deposits, forming from the alteration of primary lead minerals like galena.
