Cerusita
Cerusita is a mineral with formula PbCO₃, in the Carbonatos group. This specimen comes from Les Dalles Mine, Mibladen, Midelt, Drâa-Tafilalet, Marruecos and joined the Terrium collection in 2025.
Description
Cerussite crystals associated with primary galena on matrix.
About Cerusita
Cerussite is a lead carbonate that crystallises in the orthorhombic system and typically forms in the oxidised zone of galena deposits. In Mibladen it commonly occurs as pyramidal crystals or twins, often yellow due to impurities or inclusions, and intense fluorescence is characteristic of specimens with high lead content and well-ordered structures.
About the locality
Mibladen is one of the worlds most prolific cerussite localities. Located within Moroccos lead–zinc mineralised belt, it has produced for decades specimens sought by collectors for their transparency, crystallisation and associations with baryte, galena or anglesite. Mining has been both industrial and artisanal, and areas of underground workings continue to yield high-quality pieces.
Technical data
- Catalogue No.
- 0613
- Internal reference
- X0323
- Composition
- PbCO₃
- Name
- Cerusita
- Group
- Carbonatos
- Category
- Cupidium
- Matrix
- Galena
- Mine
- Les Dalles Mine
- District / Municipality
- Mibladen
- Province
- Midelt
- Region
- Drâa-Tafilalet
- Country
- Marruecos
- Size (cm)
- 5 x 4
- Acquired
- 2025
- Etymology
- From the Latin "cerussa", the name for lead carbonate used in Antiquity as a pigment.
- Quality
- Buena
- Value trend
- Estable
Related specimens
- Abellaíta — España
- Acantita (Paramórfica tras Argentita) — Marruecos
- Andersonita — España
- Andradita (Melanita) — Marruecos
- Apatito — Marruecos
- Aragonito (Pantojo) — España
- Aragonito (Azul (Toralina)) — España
- Aragonito — Italia