Lead carbonate forming in the oxidized zone of lead ore deposits. Known for its striking reticulate twinned crystal groups. Color: Colorless, white, gray. Luster: Adamantine to vitreous. Streak: White. Cleavage: Good in two directions. Hardness: 3-3.5. Transparency: Transparent to translucent. Crystal system: Orthorhombic. Chemical formula: PbCO₃. Specific gravity: 6.55. Formation: Forms in the oxidized zone of galena-bearing deposits by reaction of lead with carbonate-bearing groundwater. Common geological settings: Namibia Tsumeb , Morocco, Australia, USA; found in oxidized lead deposits. Common look-alikes and related entries: Anglesite, Barite, Witherite. Specimen safety: Keep this lead-bearing specimen intact. Do not cut, grind, polish, streak, lick, or use acid on it. Avoid creating or breathing dust, wash your hands with soap and water after handling, and keep it away from food, children, and pets.
These authoritative resources support category-level nomenclature, terminology, identification methods, and safety. When a specimen-specific safety warning appears, the public-health source listed here directly supports that precaution. They are not line-by-line citations for every other property on this entry, and natural specimens vary.
Editorial owner
GeoMiner
Last updated
2026-03-30T14:37:02.442306+00:00
Review status
Published; not independently peer-reviewed
IMA–CNMNC List of Mineral Names — International Mineralogical Association. Official mineral-name, nomenclature, and classification records.
Mineral ID Key — Mineralogical Society of America. Physical-property identification methods, repeat-testing guidance, and limitations.
Lead: working safely — Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. Canadian occupational-health guidance on lead exposure, dust control, hygiene, and safe handling.
Lead carbonate forming in the oxidized zone of lead ore deposits. Known for its striking reticulate twinned crystal groups.
How can you identify Cerussite?
Compare several properties rather than relying on colour alone. This entry records colour: Colorless, white, gray; lustre: Adamantine to vitreous; streak: White; Mohs hardness: 3-3.5; cleavage: Good in two directions; crystal system: Orthorhombic; transparency: Transparent to translucent. Confirm an important identification with additional field tests or qualified laboratory work.
How does Cerussite form?
Forms in the oxidized zone of galena-bearing deposits by reaction of lead with carbonate-bearing groundwater.
Where is Cerussite commonly found?
Namibia Tsumeb , Morocco, Australia, USA; found in oxidized lead deposits.
Is Cerussite safe to handle?
Keep this lead-bearing specimen intact. Do not cut, grind, polish, streak, lick, or use acid on it. Avoid creating or breathing dust, wash your hands with soap and water after handling, and keep it away from food, children, and pets. Avoid creating dust or using destructive tests on an unknown specimen, and follow site-specific safety procedures.
What is Cerussite commonly confused with?
Cerussite may be confused with Anglesite, Barite, Witherite. Compare multiple diagnostic properties because colour and surface appearance can overlap.
JavaScript is loading the interactive GeoMiner experience. The identification tools provide educational candidates, not laboratory confirmation.
