Cerussite

The crystals formed by this mineral are often prismatic and elongated, stubby or tabular. Cerussite is sometimes found in compact, granular and stalactitic masses. Although it is generally white or colourless, some specimens, owing to the presence of inclusions such as galena, show a grey, greenish or blue colouring. It is soluble in nitric acid, giving rise to violent effervescence.

It forms in the oxidised surface zones of deposits rich in lead minerals, then becoming associated with other alteration minerals.

It is used for the extraction of lead, and secondarily also of silver. Given the beauty of some specimens, its use is sometimes purely for collecting or scientific purposes.