CERUSSITE in GOETHITE vug, Magnet Mine near WARATAH TASMANIA

Cerussite, also referred to as lead carbonate or white lead ore, is a mineral characterized by its chemical composition of lead carbonate (PbCO3) and serves as a significant source of lead. The term derives from the Latin word "cerussa," meaning white lead. Historical references to the mineral date back to 1565 when Conrad Gessner mentioned "cerussa nativa." In 1832, F. S. Beudant introduced the name "céruse," while the current designation, cerussite, was established by W. Haidinger in 1845. Early miners commonly referred to it as lead-spar or white-lead-ore.