Characteristics of Cerussite:

Chemical Name: Lead carbonate

Formula: PbCO3

Colors: White, blue to green

Structure: Orthorhombic

Hardness: 3-3.5

Specific Gravity: 6.5

Refractive Index: 1.8-2.1

Lustre: Adamantine to vitreous

Streak: Colorless

Locations: Namibia, Morocco, Australia, USA

What is Cerussite? 

Cerussite has been known since antiquity and is named after the Latin cerussa, or white lead pigment. A lead carbonate, cerussite is the most common ore of lead after galena. It is generally colorless, but may be blue to green when copper impurities are present. Its refractive index is nearly as high as that of diamond, making it faceted stones especially brilliant. Unfortunately, such stones are rare; difficult to facet due to the gem’s softness, brittleness, and tendency to break, they are also too soft to be worn.