2.6" Cerussite Crystals on Galena - Morocco

Cerussite is a carbonate mineral with the chemical formula PbCO3, and is an important ore of lead. This lead-carbonate consisting mineral is a common weathering product of galena, explaining why it is typically extracted from oxidized zones of lead ore deposits. It can form into a variety of different structures, sometimes in fibrous patterns, other times in granular aggregations, though generally forming vitreous pseudo-hexagonal crystals. The colors of this mineral vary depending on composition and structure, with colorless, white, grey and green tinted, being the most common colors of crystals found.

Galena is a lead based mineral that is in fact the primary ore of lead, and has been used for its lead content for thousands of years. Galena typically displays a gray metallic luster and forms cubes or octahedral crystals. The chemical composition of galena is PbS.

While galena will not pose a health hazard by sitting on the shelf, or even from casual handling, we suggest washing hands following handling due to the lead content of the mineral.