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Cerusite

Cerusite
  • Translations : Cerussite, Cerussita, Cerusita, Cerussiet, Cerussit, Kerusit, ψιρύθιου, Cerusyt, Üstübeç, Церуссит, 白铅矿
  • Synonym : Acrusite
  • Etymology : Of the Latin "cerussa" which indicated a white paint.
  • Discovery: 1845 by Von Haidinger

Cerusite is a stone very difficult to cut, and to facet it is an exploit.

On the other hand, once faceted, it shows a very beautiful brightness, and a big shine (dispersal). So brilliant as of the diamond, the cerusite is unfortunately too fragile to be carried and became a stone of collection.

To know more about Cérusite, See Mindat.org->

Gemological data

  • Chemical formula : Pb CO3
  • Hardness (Mohs) : 3 - 3.5
  • Density : 6.53 - 6.57
  • Refractive index : α=1,803 β=2,074 γ=2,076
  • Birefingence : 0.273
  • Crystal system : Orthorhombic

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