Gemstone Glossary

Cerussite

Cerussite is well known among mineral collectors for its interesting crystal structure and its fluorescence. Cerussite is a lead carbonate (PbCO3). The name Cerussite is derived from the Latin "Cerussa" which means "White Lead" in referring to its color which is usually colorless or white but is also found in gray, yellow, and even a blue-green color.


Cerussite has a very high luster due to the lead content, just as leaded crystal glass sparkles more brilliantly because of its lead content. Crystal twinning is common in Cerussite, a feature that make Cerussite desirable for collectors. It can form geometrically intricate structures and shows a star shape because of multiple twinning. As well as the intricate structure, singular twins are also a must for those who are fascinated with twinned crystals.

Cerussite usually fluoresces cream-white to yellow in shortwave ultraviolet light, another of its famous characteristics. It is a relatively common mineral found in association with minerals like: Barite, Calcite, Anglasite, and other secondary minerals. Occurrence of Cerussite has been reported in Tsumeb, Nambia; Zaire; Morocco; Australia; Germany and Arizona, USA.

Cerussite is used as minor ore of lead. It has a hardness of 3 to 3.5 on the Moh’s Scale of Hardness and a Specific Gravity of 6.5, which is very dense for a generally transparent mineral. As Cerussite is a rather soft mineral, its specimens are very fragile and should be handled with extreme care. Cerussite twinned crystals are highly sought after. The mineral is only occasionally faceted into gems for collectors.