Comparison · Minerals
Calcite vs Cerussite
Calcite and Cerussite are easy to confuse because both are minerals. Both sit near Mohs 3, 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 Calcite and Cerussite
- Both sit near Mohs 3, 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 2.7 for Calcite).
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Calcite is transparent, Cerussite is Transparent to translucent.
- They overlap in clear, blue, and green, but Calcite also comes in yellow, orange, and pink and Cerussite also comes in gray.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Calcite is trigonal, Cerussite is Orthorhombic.
Calcite vs Cerussite properties
| Property | Calcite | Cerussite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Minerals | Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 3 | 3–3.5 |
| Luster | vitreous | Adamantine to vitreous/resinous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | transparent | Transparent to translucent |
| Specific gravity | 2.7 | 6.5–6.6 |
| Crystal system | trigonal | Orthorhombic |
| Common colors | Colorless, White, Yellow, Orange, Blue, Green, Pink | Colorless, White, Gray, Blue (rare), Green (rare) |
| Rarity | common | common |
| Typical specimen value | $2–$100+ | $2–$150+ |
Which is more valuable?
Cerussite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $20 against $15 for Calcite, and premium Cerussite can reach $150 or more.
About Calcite
Calcite is one of the most common minerals on Earth, found in sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks. It's the primary component of limestone and marble.
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.
Calcite vs Cerussite FAQ
Is Calcite the same as Cerussite?
No. Both are minerals, but they are distinct species with different hardness, streak or luster. Both sit near Mohs 3, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Calcite from Cerussite?
Both sit near Mohs 3, 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 2.7 for Calcite). Hold a thin edge to the light: Calcite is transparent, Cerussite is Transparent to translucent.
Which is harder, Calcite or Cerussite?
They are about equally hard, both near Mohs 3.
Which is more valuable, Calcite or Cerussite?
Cerussite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $20 against $15 for Calcite, and premium Cerussite can reach $150 or more.
