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Cerussite

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Bunker Hill Mine (Tyler; Stemwinder; Bunker Hill and Sullivan; Bunker Chance Mine), Bunker Hill Properties, Kellogg, Coeur d'Alene District, Shoshone Co., Idaho, USA
© Rob Lavinsky

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Formula:
PbCO
 
3
System:OrthorhombicColour:Colourless, white, gray, ...
Lustre:Adamantine, Vitreous, Resinous, Pearly, Dull, EarthyHardness:3 - 3½
Name:From the Latin, cerussa, meaning "white lead."


Aragonite Group

Cerussite is a lead carbonate mineral, usually found in the oxidized zone of lead ore deposits.

Classification of Cerussite

IMA status:Valid - first described prior to 1959 (pre-IMA) - "Grandfathered"
Strunz 8th edition ID:5/B.04-40
Nickel-Strunz 10th (pending) edition ID:5.AB.15

5 : CARBONATES (NITRATES)
A : Carbonates without additional anions, without H2O
B : Alkali-earth (and other M2+) carbonates
Dana 8th edition ID:14.1.3.4

14 : ANHYDROUS NORMAL CARBONATES
1 : A(XO3)
Hey's CIM Ref.:11.9.1

11 : Carbonates
9 : Carbonates of Pb, Zr and Th
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Type Occurrence of Cerussite

Type Locality:Vicenza Province, Veneto, Italy

Occurrences of Cerussite

Geological Setting:Commonly occurs in the upper oxidized zones of base metal deposits, especially lead-silver deposits.

Physical Properties of Cerussite

Lustre:Adamantine, Vitreous, Resinous, Pearly, Dull, Earthy
Diaphaneity (Transparency):Transparent, Translucent
Colour:Colourless, white, gray, blue, or green; colourless in transmitted light
Streak:White
Hardness (Mohs):3 - 3½
Tenacity:Very brittle
Cleavage:Distinct/Good
On {110} and {021} distinct; on {010} and {012} in traces.
Fracture:Conchoidal
Density (measured):6.53 - 6.57 g/cm3
Density (calculated):6.558 g/cm3

Crystallography of Cerussite

Crystal System:Orthorhombic
Class (H-M):mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) - Dipyramidal
Cell Parameters:a = 5.173Å, b = 8.48Å, c = 6.13Å
Ratio:a:b:c = 0.61 : 1 : 0.723
Unit Cell Volume:V 268.90 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Morphology:Crystal morphology extremely varied. Simple crystals often tabular {010} and elongated [001] or [100]. Also equant or dipyramidal and then pseudo-hexagonal. Rarely acicular [001] or very thin tabular {001}. {010} and {0kl} usually striated [100]; {111} often striated [110] or [112]. Reticular twin aggregates common. Massive, granular, dense, compact. Stalactitic at times; pulverulent to earthy. Fibrous rare.
Twinning:Almost universal. Most commonly on {110}, as twin lamellae or as contact twin types producing stellate pseudo-hexagonal groups or reticulated aggregates. On {130} less common, mainly as contact twins with a heart-shaped outline. Both laws may occur simultaneously.
Comment:Non-standard space group setting (Pmcn)
Crystal Atlas:
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Cerussite no.48 - Goldschmidt (1913-1926)
Cerussite no.63 - Goldschmidt (1913-1926)
Cerussite no.140 - Goldschmidt (1913-1926)
Cerussite no.157 - Goldschmidt (1913-1926)
Cerussite no.261 - Goldschmidt (1913-1926)
Cerussite no.460 - Goldschmidt (1913-1926)

About Crystal Atlas

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The mindat.org Crystal Atlas allows you to view a selection of crystal drawings of real and idealised crystal forms for this mineral and, in certain cases, 3d rotating crystal objects. You need Java to see these. You can download Java for free - click here to download Java

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X-Ray Powder Diffraction:
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Radiation - Copper Kα
Data Set:
Horizontal Axis: ° to ° Vertical Axis: % Source Data: Filtered Data: Peaks:
Data courtesy of RRUFF project at University of Arizona, used with permission.

Optical Data of Cerussite

Type:Biaxial (-)
RI values: nα = 1.803 nβ = 2.074 nγ = 2.076
2V:Measured: 8° to 14°, Calculated: 8°
Maximum Birefringence:δ = 0.273

Chart shows birefringence interference colour range (at 30µm thickness) and does not take into account mineral colouration.
Surface Relief:Very High
Dispersion:relatively strong

Chemical Properties of Cerussite

Formula:
PbCO
 
3
Essential elements:C, O, Pb
All elements listed in formula:C, O, Pb

Relationship of Cerussite to other Species

Related to:
  • Aragonite Group
    • Common Associates:
    SmithsoniteSilverPyromorphitePhosgeniteMalachite
    LimoniteGalenaAnglesite
    Related Minerals - Nickel-Strunz Grouping):

    - +
    5.AB.05Calcite
    CaCO
     
    3
    5.AB.05Gaspéite
    (Ni,Mg,Fe)CO
     
    3
    5.AB.05Magnesite
    MgCO
     
    3
    5.AB.05Otavite
    CdCO
     
    3
    5.AB.05Rhodochrosite
    MnCO
     
    3
    5.AB.05Siderite
    FeCO
     
    3
    5.AB.05Smithsonite
    ZnCO
     
    3
    5.AB.05Spherocobaltite
    CoCO
     
    3
    5.AB.10Ankerite
    Ca(Fe
    2+
     
    		 ,Mg,Mn
    2+
     
    		)(CO
     
    3
    		)
     
    2
    5.AB.10Dolomite
    CaMg(CO
     
    3
    		)
     
    2
    5.AB.10Kutnohorite
    Ca(Mn,Mg,Fe)(CO
     
    3
    		)
     
    2
    5.AB.10Minrecordite
    CaZn(CO
     
    3
    		)
     
    2
    5.AB.15Aragonite
    CaCO
     
    3
    5.AB.15Strontianite
    SrCO
     
    3
    5.AB.15Witherite
    BaCO
     
    3
    5.AB.20Vaterite
    CaCO
     
    3
    5.AB.25Huntite
    CaMg
     
    3
    		(CO
     
    3
    		)
     
    4
    5.AB.30Norsethite
    BaMg(CO
     
    3
    		)
     
    2
    5.AB.35Alstonite
    BaCa(CO
     
    3
    		)
     
    2
    5.AB.40Olekminskite
    Sr(Sr,Ba)(CO
     
    3
    		)
     
    2
    5.AB.40Paralstonite
    BaCa(CO
     
    3
    		)
     
    2
    5.AB.45Barytocalcite
    BaCa(CO
     
    3
    		)
     
    2
    5.AB.50Carbocernaite
    (Ca,Na)(Sr,Ce,Ba)(CO
     
    3
    		)
     
    2
    5.AB.55Benstonite
    (Ba,Sr)
     
    6
    		(Ca,Mn)
     
    6
    		Mg(CO
     
    3
    		)
     
    13
    5.AB.60Juangodoyite
    Na
     
    2
    		Cu(CO
     
    3
    		)
     
    2
    Related Minerals - Hey's Index Grouping:

    - +
    11.9.2Hydrocerussite
    Pb
     
    3
    		(CO
     
    3
    		)
     
    2
    		(OH)
     
    2
    11.9.3Dundasite
    PbAl
     
    2
    		[(OH)
     
    2
    		|CO
     
    3
    		]
     
    2
    		 · H
     
    2
    		O
    11.9.4Gysinite-(Nd)
    Pb(Nd,La)[OH|(CO
     
    3
    		)
     
    2
    		] · H
     
    2
    		O
    11.9.5Schuilingite-(Nd)
    PbCu(Nd,Gd,Sm,Y)(CO
     
    3
    		)
     
    3
    		(OH)·1.5H
     
    2
    		O
    11.9.6Tuliokite
    Na
     
    6
    		BaTh(CO
     
    3
    		)
     
    6
    		·6H
     
    2
    		O
    11.9.7Weloganite
    Sr
     
    3
    		Na
     
    2
    		Zr(CO
     
    3
    		)
     
    6
    		·3H
     
    2
    		O
    11.9.8Sabinaite
    Na
     
    4
    		Zr
     
    2
    		TiO
     
    4
    		(CO
     
    3
    		)
     
    4

    Other Names for Cerussite

    Synonyms:
    AcrusiteBlack Lead OreCarbonate of LeadCerusiteLead Spar
    White LeadWhite Lead Ore
    Other Languages:
    Basque:Zerusita
    Catalan:Cerussita
    Dutch:Cerussiet
    French:Cérusite
    Céruse
    Plomb carbonaté
    Plombe blanche
    Plomb spathique
    German:Cerussit
    Acrusit
    Bleispath
    Bly-Ochra
    Bly-Spat
    Blyspath
    Cerusit
    Kohlensaures Blei
    Weißbleierz
    Weissbleierz
    Greek:ψιρύθιου
    Hebrew:צרוסיט
    Hungarian:Cerusszit
    Indonesian:Kerusit
    Italian:Cerussite
    Latin:Cerussa
    Cerussa nativa
    Cerussa nativa ex agro Vicentino
    Minera plumbi spathacea
    Minera spathiforma alba, vel grisea
    Plumbum acido aero mineralisatum
    Plumbum spathosum
    Spatum Plumbi
    Polish:Cerusyt
    Russian:Церуссит
    Slovak:Ceruzit
    Spanish:Cerusita
    Acrusita
    Cerussita
    Turkish:Üstübeç
    Ukrainian:Церусит
    Varieties:
    Argentiferous CerussiteChrome-CerussiteZincian Cerussite

    Other Information

    Fluorescence in UV light:Yellow to golden-yellow, white (best LW UV), also under X-rays.
    Thermal Behaviour:Breaks down to a basic carbonate at about 300°, which, in turn, decomposes to PbO at about 500° (?).
    Other Information:Soluble in dilute HNO3 with effervescence.

    Occurs as alteration pseudomorphs after anglesite, phosgenite, leadhillite, caledonite, hydrocerussite, bournonite, linarite, pyromorphite, vanadinite. Also occurs as incrustation or substitution pseudomorphs after calcite and sphalerite.

    Pseudomorphs of pyromorphite, minium, malachite, quartz, galena, limonite, calcite, siderite, phosgenite, dolomite and chrysocolla after crystals of cerussite have been observed.
    Health Warning:Contains lead - wash hands after handling, avoid inhaling dust when breaking.
    Industrial Uses:Ore of lead, and often also of silver.

    References for Cerussite

    Reference List:Wallerius, J.G (1747) Mineralogia, eller Mineralriket. Stockholm: 295 (as Minera Plumbi spathacea).

    Wallerius, J.G. (1753) French edition of “Mineralogia, eller Mineralriket.” 2 volumes, Paris: 1: 536 (as Plomb spathique).

    Bergmann, T. (1780) Opuscula of Tobernus Bergmann: 2: 426 (as Plumbum acido aero mineralisatum).

    Beudant, F.S. (1832), Trailé élémentaire de Minéralogie, second edition, 2 volumes: 2: 363 (as Céruse).

    Karsten (1832) Journal für Chemie und Physik, Nuremberg: 45: 365.

    Haidinger, Wm. (1845) Handbuch der bestimmenden Mineralogie. Vienna: 503 (as Cerussit).

    Schrauf (1860) Sitzber. Ak. Wien: 42: 120.

    Des Cloizeaux, A. (1867) Nouvelles recherches sur les propriétés optique des cristaux, naturels ou artificiels, et sur les variations que ces propriétés éprouvent sous l’influence de la chaleur. 222pp., Paris. (Institut imperial de France, Mémoires 18): 49.

    Koksharov, N. von (1870) Materialien zur Mineralogie Russlands. 11 volumes with atlas, vol. 6: 100.

    Joulin (1873) Bull. Soc. chim. phys.: 19[2]: 345.

    de Luca (1877) Comptes rendu de l’Académie des sciences de Paris: 84: 1457.

    Brown (1886) American Journal of Science: 32: 377.

    Fletcher (1887) Mineralogical Magazine: 7: 187.

    Negri (1889) Rivista di mineralogia e cristallografia italiana, Padua: 4: 53.

    Traube (1894) Zeitschrift der Deutsche geologische Gesellschaft, Berlin: 46: 50.

    Hobbs (1895) American Journal of Science: 50: 121.

    Ohm (1899) Jb. Min., Beil.-Bd.: 13: 31.

    Mügge (1901) Jb. Min., Beil.-Bd.: 14: 259.

    Panichi (1902) Reale accademia nazionale dei Lincei, Rome, Mem: 4[5a]: 419.

    Rogers (1903) American Geologist, Minneapolis: 31: 45.

    Warren (1903) American Journal of Science: 16: 337.

    Colson (1905) Comptes rendu de l’Académie des sciences de Paris: 140: 865.

    Lacroix (1909): 3: 727.

    Doelter, C. (1911) Handbuch der Mineral-chemie (in 4 volumes divided into parts): 1: 510.

    Boutwell (1912) USGS Professional Paper 77: 111.

    Friedrich (1912) Centralblatt für Mineralogie, Geologie und Paleontologie, Stuttgart: 621.

    Dübigk (1913) Neues Jahrbuch für Mineralogie, Geologie und Paleontologie, Beil.-Bd., Heidelberg, Stuttgart: 36: 214.

    Goldschmidt, V. (1913) Atlas der Krystallformen. 9 volumes, atlas, and text, vol. 2: 107.

    Pilipenko (1915) Bulletin of the Imperial Tomsk University: no. 63 [Min. Abs.: 2: 111 (1923)].

    Schrader (1917) USGS Bulletin 624.

    Ledoux and Walker (1918) Ottawa Nat.: 32: 7.

    Buttgenbach (1920) Bulletin de la Société française de Minéralogie: 43: 24.

    Stevanovic (1922) Ann. géol. pénin. Balkan.: 7: 85.

    Billows (1923) Att. Accad. Veneto.: 14[3]: 89.

    Maier (1923) Zeitschrift für Kristallographie, Mineralogie und Petrographie, Leipzig: 58: 75.

    Sève (1923) Bulletin de la Société française de Minéralogie: 46: 34.

    Barthoux (1924) Bulletin de la Société française de Minéralogie: 47: 36.

    Hintze, Carl (1926) Handbuch der Mineralogie. Berlin and Leipzig. 6 volumes: 1[3A]: 3045.

    Shannon (1926) U.S. National Museum Bulletin 131: 240.

    Smith (1926) New South Wales Department of Mines, Mineral Resources, no. 34: 93.

    Tokody (1926) Zeitschrift für Kristallographie, Mineralogie und Petrographie, Leipzig: 63: 385.

    O'Daniel (1930) Zeitschrift für Kristallographie, Mineralogie und Petrographie, Leipzig: 74: 333.

    Laskiewicz (1931) Archiwum Mineralogiczne (Towarzystwo Naukowe Warszawsie): 7: 147.

    Colby and La Coste (1933) Zeitschrift für Kristallographie, Mineralogie und Petrographie, Leipzig: 84: 300.

    Garrido (1934) Bol. Soc. espan. Hist. nat.: 34: 301.

    Vavrinecz (1934) Zeitschrift für Kristallographie, Mineralogie und Petrographie, Leipzig: 89: 521

    Rottenbach (1937) Inaugural Dissertaton, Bonn.

    Tokody (1937) Zeitschrift für Kristallographie, Mineralogie und Petrographie, Leipzig: 96: 325.

    Lindsay and Hoyt (1938) Zeitschrift für Kristallographie, Mineralogie und Petrographie, Leipzig: 100: 360.

    Tokody (1942) Magyar Tudom. Akad. Mat. Termeszett. Ertisitö, Budapest: 61: 1116.

    Amaral (1948) Min. e met., Rio de Janeiro: 13: 59.

    Palache, C., Berman, H., & Frondel, C. (1951), The System of Mineralogy of James Dwight Dana and Edward Salisbury Dana, Yale University 1837-1892, Volume II: Halides, Nitrates, Borates, Carbonates, Sulfates, Phosphates, Arsenates, Tungstates, Molybdates, Etc. John Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York, 7th edition, revised and enlarged: 200-207.

    Reviews in Mineralogy, Mineralogical Society of America: 11.

    Zeitschrift für Kristallographie: 139: 215-222.

    Chevrier, G., G. Giester, G. Heger, D. Jarosch, M. Wildner, and J. Zemann (1992) Neutron single-crystal refinement of cerussite, PbCO3, and comparison with other aragonite-type carbonates. Zeitschrift für Kristallographie 199, 67-74.

    Internet Links for Cerussite

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  • Raman and XRD data at RRUFF project
  • American Mineralogist Crystal Structure Database
  • Search for Cerussite in the Natural History Museum (London) online catalogue
  • Cerussite details from Handbook of Mineralogy (PDF)
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    Localities for Cerussite

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