Comparison · Minerals
Anhydrite vs Cerussite
Anhydrite and Cerussite are easy to confuse because both are minerals. Both sit near Mohs 3–3.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Anhydrite and Cerussite
- Both sit near Mohs 3–3.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Cerussite feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 6.5–6.6 versus 2.9–3.0 for Anhydrite).
- They overlap in clear, gray, and blue, but Anhydrite also comes in pink and Cerussite also comes in green.
Anhydrite vs Cerussite properties
| Property | Anhydrite | Cerussite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Minerals | Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 3–3.5 | 3–3.5 |
| Luster | Vitreous, pearly on cleavage surfaces | Adamantine to vitreous/resinous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent | Transparent to translucent |
| Specific gravity | 2.9–3.0 | 6.5–6.6 |
| Crystal system | Orthorhombic | Orthorhombic |
| Common colors | Colorless, White, Gray, Blue, Pink | Colorless, White, Gray, Blue (rare), Green (rare) |
| Rarity | common | common |
| Typical specimen value | $2–$150+ | $2–$150+ |
Which is more valuable?
Typical specimens of Anhydrite and Cerussite trade in a similar range, around $20.
About Anhydrite
Anhydrite is calcium sulfate, CaSO4, chemically identical to gypsum but lacking the water molecules bound into gypsum's crystal structure. It forms in evaporite basins where seawater or saline lake water concentrates through evaporation, and it readily absorbs water to convert into gypsum, which is why anhydrite outcrops are less common at the surface than at depth. Its name, from the Greek for "without water," directly references this dehydrated composition.
About Cerussite
Cerussite is lead carbonate, PbCO3, a heavy, brittle mineral that forms in the oxidized gossan zones of lead ore deposits. Its very high density and strong adamantine luster make it feel and look far more valuable than its modest hardness would suggest, and colorless crystals can show fire approaching that of diamond. It commonly develops as twinned, reticulated, or star-shaped crystal groups.
Anhydrite vs Cerussite FAQ
Is Anhydrite the same as Cerussite?
No. Both are minerals, but they are distinct species with different hardness, streak or luster. Both sit near Mohs 3–3.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Anhydrite from Cerussite?
Both sit near Mohs 3–3.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Cerussite feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 6.5–6.6 versus 2.9–3.0 for Anhydrite). They overlap in clear, gray, and blue, but Anhydrite also comes in pink and Cerussite also comes in green.
Which is harder, Anhydrite or Cerussite?
They are about equally hard, both near Mohs 3–3.5.
Which is more valuable, Anhydrite or Cerussite?
Typical specimens of Anhydrite and Cerussite trade in a similar range, around $20.
