Cerussite (PbCO₃) is lead carbonate, the aragonite-group analog where Pb replaces Ca. It is the iconic secondary lead mineral of the oxidized cap zones of lead-zinc deposits, where it forms transparent adamantine-luster crystals with extraordinarily heavy specific gravity (6.5) for a transparent species. Tsumeb (Namibia) is the world standard, producing massive reticulated twin specimens, snowflake-pattern penetration twins, and gem-quality single crystals over 10 cm.
Key Facts
- Mohs hardness 3–3.5 — soft.
- Specific gravity 6.5 — exceptionally heavy for a transparent mineral.
- Adamantine luster gives strong fire reminiscent of diamond.
- Cyclic twinning produces classic reticulated, snowflake, and pseudohexagonal habits.
- Member of the Aragonite Group — isostructural with aragonite (CaCO₃) and strontianite (SrCO₃).
Notable Localities
Tsumeb (Namibia) is the world standard. Mibladen (Morocco) and Broken Hill (Australia) produce classic specimens. China has minor occurrences in Pb-Zn oxidation zones at Yongping and Daoping.
Found at these Localities
- Oumjrane Mining Area (奥姆贾兰矿区)
- Mibladen Mining District (米布拉登铅矿区)
- Broken Hill (布罗肯希尔铅锌银矿)
- Lavrion (Laurium) (拉夫里翁古铅锌银矿)
- Dundas Mineral Field (丹达斯矿区)
- Tsumeb Mine (楚梅布矿)
- Daoping Mine (道平铅锌矿)
- Yongping Mine (永平铜矿)
- Imiter Mine (伊米泰尔银矿)
