Cerussite
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Archaeodontosaurus" title="User:Archaeodontosaurus">Didier Descouens</a> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NameCerussite
Chemical FormulaPbCO3
Mohs Hardness3.25
Crystal Systemorthorhombic
Lusteradamantine
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavagedistinct on {110} and {021}, imperfect on {010}
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity6.55
Colorsyellowish-brown, pale yellow, colorless, white, gray
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityLes Farges Mine, Ussel, Corrèze, Limousin, France
Mineral GroupCarbonates
Useslead ore, collector
Associated Mineralsgalena, anglesite, pyromorphite, smithsonite, malachite, azurite
Rarityuncommon
Description
This specimen is a prismatic, translucent crystal of cerussite, exhibiting a pale yellowish-brown hue with prominent vertical striations along its faces. The termination shows a distinct pyramidal shape with some iridescent reflections.
Geological Context
Cerussite is a secondary mineral formed in the oxidized zone of lead ore deposits, typically resulting from the alteration of galena (PbS) in the presence of carbonate-rich waters.
