4.8" Cerussite Crystals with Bladed Barite 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.

Barite, commonly spelled baryte, is well-known for its great range of colors and varied crystal forms and habits. It is a heavy mineral consisting of barium sulfate, and typically has the chemical formula of BaSO4. The barite group consists of baryte, celestine, anglesite and anhydrite. It's generally white to colorless and is the main source of barium.