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Cerussite

Photo: Ivar Leidus / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Cerussite

Also known as: White lead ore

Lacy, glittering lead carbonate crystals with a diamond-like lustre – a toxic but stunning collector's mineral.

  • ColourWhite, Colourless, Grey
  • Mineral groupCarbonate
  • ChemistryPbCO₃
  • Hardness (Mohs)3–3.5
  • Crystal systemOrthorhombic
  • Where it's foundMorocco, Namibia (Tsumeb), Iran, Australia, USA
  • ChakraCrown
  • ZodiacLibra

What is Cerussite?

Cerussite is lead carbonate, forming where lead deposits weather. It has a brilliant adamantine (diamond-like) lustre and often grows as lacy, reticulated networks or star-shaped twins. The name comes from the Latin cerussa, white lead pigment. Fine specimens come from Tsumeb, Namibia and Morocco.

Cerussite contains lead, so it's a display-only specimen.

Cerussite astrology & birthstone

  • Zodiac signsLibra
  • Ruling planet—
  • ElementEarth
  • Birthstone month—

Zodiac, planet and element links come from crystal-lore traditions and vary between authors. Birthstone months follow the American Gem Society list.

Cerussite meaning & traditional properties

Cerussite is associated with clarity, adaptability and grounding in crystal traditions.

  • Clarity
  • Adaptability
  • Grounding

Traditional and metaphysical properties are shared for cultural and educational interest. Crystals are not a substitute for medical advice or treatment.

How to use Cerussite

  • Display cerussite in a closed case away from children.

How to care for Cerussite

Fragile and toxic (lead) – handle minimally and wash hands afterwards.

Looking for Cerussite?

Cerussite isn't in our shop right now – new stock arrives regularly. In the meantime, explore similar crystals we have available or browse our full crystal collection.

  • Calcite
    In our shop

    Calcite

    One of Earth's most common minerals, found in every colour and famous for its double refraction.

  • Clear Quartz
    In our shop

    Clear Quartz

    Water-clear rock crystal – the 'master' stone of crystal lore and the heart of modern electronics.

Rituals & pairings

Pair Cerussite with a intuition & meditation ritual

A quiet meditation ritual for focus, intuition and clarity.

Traditionally paired with: Frankincense, myrrh, lotus or copal incense · A purple or white candle · Sage to clear the space

  • Clear the room with a little sage smoke and sit comfortably.
  • Light a purple or white candle and frankincense, lotus or copal incense.
  • Hold your crystal or rest it in front of you and breathe slowly for 5–10 minutes.
  • Note down any ideas or feelings that come up.

Safety: never leave candles, incense or smudge sticks burning unattended, keep them away from children, pets and anything flammable, and ventilate the room. Rituals are shared as tradition, not as a treatment.

Ritual oils, essential oils & perfumes

Deepen your practice: tarot & oracle cards

Wear it & work with it

Cerussite jewellery & pendulums

Wear the energy of your favourite crystals every day – browse our handmade crystal jewellery and dowsing pendulums.

Cerussite FAQs

Is cerussite toxic?

It contains lead, so keep it as a display specimen and wash hands after handling.

Related crystals

  • Galena

    Galena

    Heavy silver-grey cubes of lead ore – a striking collector's mineral that should be handled with care.

  • Barite

    Barite

    Surprisingly heavy crystals – from golden blades to 'desert rose' rosettes – a grounding stone in crystal l...

  • Calcite
    In our shop

    Calcite

    One of Earth's most common minerals, found in every colour and famous for its double refraction.

  • Clear Quartz
    In our shop

    Clear Quartz

    Water-clear rock crystal – the 'master' stone of crystal lore and the heart of modern electronics.

Sources