Cerussite
A variety of Aragonite Group
What is Cerussite?
Cerussite, also known as "white lead," has been industrially mined for several centuries (lead has historically been used in a wide variety of industrial processes and alloys). It can crystalize into some truly striking forms. "Twined" specimens have crystals that appear to be interwoven, with empty space in between. Gemstone-quality crystals are rare, but breathtaking, such as the spectacular 898-carat "Light of the Desert" which was found in Namibia.
Etymology & Origins
Cerussite (also known as lead carbonate or white lead ore) is a mineral consisting of lead carbonate (PbCO3 ), and is an important ore of lead. The name is from the Latin cerussa, white lead. Cerussa nativa was mentioned by Conrad Gessner in 1565, and in 1832 F. S. Beudant applied the name cruise to the mineral, whilst the present form, cerussite, is due to W. Haidinger (1845). Miners' names in early use were lead-spar and white-lead-ore.
Uses & Applications
Cerussite was once an important ore of lead used in paints and cosmetics, but its use was discontinued to to toxicity. It is also a popular gemstone among collectors. However, while it is a popular gemstone among collectors, it is too brittle to be worn as jewelry.
Healing Properties
Cerussite is believed to be a transformative stone that improves one's physical, emotional, and spiritual self. When worn, it is believed to make a person's aura brighter, giving them a feeling of hope and confidence. It is said to make a person more confident in decision making and allow them to see matters more clearly and rationally, rather than from an emotional aspect.
Optical Properties
- Refractive Index
- 1.803-2.078
- Birefringence
- 0.274
- Pleochroism
- None
- Optical Character
- Biaxial negative
- Dispersion
- 0.055
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Cerussite Localities Map
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Associated Chakras
Key Characteristics
Rock Types of Cerussite
A variety containing 7% of zinc carbonate, replacing lead carbonate, is known as iglesiasite, from Iglesias in Sardinia, where it is found.
Characteristics of Cerussite
Cerussite crystallizes in the orthorhombic system and is isomorphous with aragonite. Like aragonite it is very frequently twinned, the compound crystals being pseudo-hexagonal in form. Three crystals are usually twinned together on two faces of the prism, producing six-rayed stellate groups with the individual crystals intercrossing at angles of nearly 60°. Crystals are of frequent occurrence and they usually have very bright and smooth faces. The mineral also occurs in compact granular masses, and sometimes in fibrous forms. The mineral is usually colorless or white, sometimes grey or greenish in tint and varies from transparent to translucent with an adamantine lustre. It is very brittle, and has a conchoidal fracture. It has a Mohs hardness of 3 to 3.75 and a specific gravity of 6.5. A variety containing 7% of zinc carbonate, replacing lead carbonate, is known as iglesiasite, from Iglesias in Sardinia, where it is found. The mineral may be readily recognized by its characteristic twinning, in conjunction with the adamantine lustre and high specific gravity. It dissolves with effervescence in dilute nitric acid.
Health & Safety Information
- ⚠️Harm Reason: Cerussite dust is toxic because it contains heavy metals Lead.
- ⚠️Heavy Metal: Lead
- ⚠️How to prevent the risks of Cerussite?
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Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Colourless, white, gray, blue, green, colourless in transmitted light
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 3 - 3.5
- Density
- 6.558 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Pearly, Vitreous, Resinous, Adamantine, Dull
- Crystal System
- Orthorhombic
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- PbCO3
- Elements
- C, O, Pb
Also Known As
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