Cerussite with malachite from Yanga Koubenza, Congo. Size 8 cm

Cerussite with malachite from Yanga Koubenza, Congo. Size 8 cm. Cerussite is a lead carbonate mineral, a primary ore of lead, known for its grayish-white, crystalline structure. It’s a secondary mineral, formed by the action of ground water on galena (lead sulfide) ore. While it can be colorless, it’s also found in shades of white, gray, blue, or green. Key Properties: Composition: PbCO3 (lead carbonate). Color: Typically colorless, white, or gray, but can also be blue or green. Hardness: 3 to 3.5 on the Mohs scale. Specific Gravity: 6.46 - 6.57. Luster: Adamantine. Transparency: Transparent to translucent. Fracture: Conchoidal. Cleavage: Distinct on certain planes. Fluorescence: Weak yellowish-white to yellow under long-wave ultraviolet light. Uses: Primarily an ore of lead, used in the extraction of lead metal, and in the past, as a pigment. Occurrence: Formed in the oxidized zone of lead veins, often associated with other minerals like anglesite and sphalerite. Additional Notes: Cerussite is a brittle mineral. It can be found in various locations, including Spain, England, and the United States. While not typically used as a jewelry stone, its combination of high density and refractive index can make it challenging to distinguish from other gems.