Cerussite

Cerussite is generally colorless, but white, grey, and black specimens have been discovered. Its two most distinctive features are its high density and its adamantine lustre. Crystals possess a stubby tabular or elongate habit. Although attractive, it is too soft to have much value like a gemstone, and it is cut solely for collectors.

Cerussite is usually found around lead ores. Large, clear, transparent, colorless, cuttable crystals have been found in Tsumeb (Namibia). Other localities include Austria, Australia, Czechoslovakia, USA, Germany, Scotland, and Italy, including Sardinia.

Sometimes wrongly identified as diamond and other colorless gems, it may be distinguished by its higher density.

Chemical Composition :

Lead carbonate


Crystal System / Forms :

Orthorhombic


Cuts & Uses :

Brilliant, Mixed.


Hardness : 3.5
Lustre : Adamantine
Refractive Index / Birefringence :

1.80-2.08 / 0.274


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