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Glite Dictionary
cerussite

cerussite

9.9
A mineral that people mine to get lead
  • noun
  • /səˈrəsˌīt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : cerusita
  • Large deposits of cerussite were historically important for the extraction of lead.

Examples

  • The geologist identified the sparkling white mineral as cerussite.

  • Collectors value cerussite crystals for their unique twinned structures.

  • The cerussite sample was analyzed for its purity.

  • Did you find any cerussite in the mine?

  • Mineralogists often study cerussite because it can reveal important information about local geology.

  • In the museum, the display featured stunning cerussite specimens that illustrated its lead content.

  • The mining operation focused on extracting cerussite as it was a major source of lead during that era.

Synonyms

white lead ore
vscerussite
  • Specialized
9.9

A mineral that contains lead and is used to make white paint

is the specific mineral form of the same lead compound
lead carbonate
vscerussite
  • Archaic
8.9

A white poisonous powder that contains lead and was used to make paint

is a natural mineral and ore that supplies lead for extraction

Surface Forms

cerussite singular
cerussites plural

Morphology

cerussite = ceruse (opaque) = ceruss + ite

Built from the rare/archaic base 'ceruse' (white lead) plus the mineral-forming suffix '-ite', so learners who know common English bases cannot infer the meaning.

Etymology

Cerussite comes from the Latin cerussa, meaning 'white lead', and this shows the mineral's pale colour and that it is a natural source of lead.