Description
Cerussite, ranging from transparent to subtranslucent and colorless, white, gray, blue, or green, has an adamantine luster and a white streak color. The mineral's cleavage is good according to the crystal faces [110] and [021]. It belongs to the orthorhombic crystal system. With an average density of 6.58, a hardness of 3 to 3.5, and non-radioactive properties, cerussite is remarkable. It has a birefringence of 0.2730. Its name is derived from the Latin "cerussa," meaning "white lead," and it is also known as white lead ore or lead carbonate. Cerussite forms in areas where lead-rich fluids cut through limestone. Although the type locality has not been specifically defined, the mineral is found in Tsumeb, Namibia, and small quantities have been mined at the Blieberg mine in eastern Belgium. The chemical formula of cerussite is PbCO3, which stands for lead(II) carbonate.
