AllMineralsRock
Cerussite
Cerussite is a popular mineral composed of lead carbonate. [1]
Cerussite: Quick Facts and Characteristics
Some quick facts for Cerussite:- Transparency: Cerussite can be opaque, translucent or transparent.
- Crystallography: In terms of crystallography, cerussite is orthorhombic.
- Luster: In terms of luster, cerussite can be adamantine, greasy, pearly, resinous, silky, submetallic or vitreous (glassy).
- Streak: Cerussite streaks white.
- Hardness: Cerussite's hardness ranges from 3 to 3.5 on the Moh's scale.
- Specific Gravity: Cerussite's specific gravity is 6.55.
Cerussite: Background and Summary
Cerussite is a mineral that is known for its unique crystal formations and its use in various industrial applications. It is a lead carbonate mineral that is colorless or white, and it can often be found in sedimentary rocks or in the oxidized zones of lead ore deposits. Cerussite is also known as white lead ore, and it is often mistaken for other minerals such as anglesite or barite.One way to identify cerussite is by its crystal formations, which can be highly variable but are often tabular or prismatic in shape. These crystals can be elongated or flattened, and they are often twinned or clustered together in groups. Cerussite has a high luster and can be transparent or translucent, and it has a Mohs hardness of 3-3.5.
Cerussite has a variety of industrial uses, including as a source of lead in the production of batteries, as a pigment in paints and ceramics, and as a flux in the smelting of lead and other metals. It is also used as a gemstone and is valued for its unique crystal formations and its rarity.
Cerussite: Table of Properties
| Attribute | Cerussite (src) |
|---|---|
| Transparency | transparent, translucent, opaque |
| Chemical Formula | PbCO3 |
| Chemical Composition | lead carbonate |
| Specific Gravity | 6.55 |
| Hardness | 3, 3.5 |
| Streak | white |
| Crystallography | orthorhombic |
| Refractive Index | 1.804, 2.079 |
| Hydrous | No |
| Colors | common: gray, yellow sometimes: brown, green less common: red, blue, pink, black, cream, white, colorless |
| Category | carbonate |
| Birefringence | δ = 0.273 |
Cerussite: FAQ
Q: Is cerussite toxic?A: Cerussite is a lead mineral and should be handled with care. It is toxic if ingested or inhaled, and it should be stored in a safe and secure location.
Q: Where is cerussite found?
A: Cerussite can be found in various locations around the world, including in the United States, Mexico, Australia, and Morocco.
Q: What is the value of cerussite as a gemstone?
A: Cerussite is a rare and valuable gemstone, and its value depends on a variety of factors such as its size, color, and clarity. It is often used in jewelry and can fetch high prices at auction.
Sources
- Mindat.org- Geology.com
- Gem Society
- Cerussite: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerussite
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