Cerussite is a mineral that throughout history has had various applications, from being a lead mineral, a pigment, to being a collector’s mineral because it sometimes presents twinned forms, even today behind this crystal there are several beliefs that we will mention throughout this post.
Mineralogically, cerussite is considered a mineral belonging to the group of carbonates and in fact it is a lead carbonate (PbCO3) that also usually contains amounts of silver and chromium in its composition. It is basically considered a secondary lead ore.
Its name comes from the Latin cerussaoceruse, which means “white powder”, and refers to a powdered white mineral that contains lead, and which used in ancient times as a pigment and additive for paints and cosmetics, however, it is now known that products derived from lead and lead-rich cerussite can be toxic.
Properties and characteristics of the mineral cerussite
The cerussite can fluoresce yellow exposed under long wave ultraviolet light. It typically occurs as colorless tabular or elongated crystals, white, pale yellow, smoky, dark gray, or black, can also occur in granular, crumbly, stalactitic, prismatic aggregate, and massive forms.
Due to its lead content, when you hold it in your hand, you can see that it is a fairly heavy or dense glass However, its resistance is low because it only has a value of 3.5 on the Mohs scale.
The cerussite It is considered a quite important lead mineral, in addition, it must be taken into account that it belongs to the group of aragonite minerals, which together with leadaragonite, strontianite and witherite are often highly sought after gemstones by mineral collectors.
| cerussite | Physical and chemical properties |
|---|---|
| class, group | lead carbonate |
| Formula | PbCO3 |
| Impurities | silver and chrome |
| crystalline system | orthorhombic |
| crystal habit | Reticulated, Massive – Granular, Crystalline – Coarse |
| cleavage | Different, Different, None |
| Gloss | Adamantine |
| Color | colourless, white, grey, blue, green |
| Stripe | white |
| Class | Orthorhombic – Dipyramidal |
| Fracture | Brittle – Conchoidal |
| Mohs hardness | 3-3.5 |
Meaning and metaphysical properties of the cerussite stone
The cerussite stone It is a highly valued stone in the metaphysical and spiritual market because it is thought to have a natural aura capable of attracting positive changes for your life. In addition, in several cultures they associate it with the transformation spiritual, creativity, hope, strength, the attraction of good vibes and self-love.
Cerussite is also known to be associated with the root and crown chakras, therefore it is believed to have properties that benefit physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.
How to use the cerussite stone?
The use of this stone is key, especially if you feel overwhelmed and discouraged, in this case the cerussite stone can give you hope and vitality. In addition, it is believed that it will give you self-confidence and self-assurance, since its energy motivates making good decisions.
It also motivates self-esteem, self-confidence and is said to improve communication skills by enhancing personal and work skills.
Cerussite ore deposits
The cerussite ore is relatively common and widespread in the earth’s crust and in fact can be found related to oxidized lead deposits, that is to say in oxidation zones of hydrothermal deposits where, on occasion, it can be an important mineral. It usually appears together with Galena.
Although these deposits can appear in almost any part of the world, the truth is that the amounts of fine cerussite only appear in Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Scotland, England, France, Italy, Russia, Tunisia, Morocco, Namibia, Iran., Australia and the United States.
Cerussite Crystal Uses
As lead, silver and chrome ore
Now we know that the cerussite crystals they are composed of lead in a combination of lead carbonate, and for this reason, this mineral is considered as a secondary ore to obtain lead. Let us remember that the main ore to obtain this metal is galena.
In addition, it is common for this mineral to contain small amounts of silver in the oxidation zones and many times these accumulations are interesting above hydrothermal deposits where silver can be extracted.
Finally, cerussite can also contain small amounts of chromium, however, they are not very important to be considered as a chromium ore unlike cerussite. chromite.
As a collectible gemstone
Many times the cerussite crystals and stones appear in very beautiful shapes, in a granular, tabular and twinned manner that present transparency that gives it the appearance of a gem. In these cases it is very attractive for mineral collectors and as ornamental stones.
Due to its low hardness on the Mohs scale, this stone is not used to create top quality jewelry accessories.
As pigment
In antiquity, lead extracted from cerussite powder was used as a pigment and additive for paints and enamels. Later it was discovered that lead was potentially toxic and its use declined.