How Do You Spell CERUSITE?

Pronunciation: [sˈɛɹuːsˌa͡ɪt] (IPA)

Cerusite is a mineral with a chemical formula PbCO3 that is often found in lead mines. The spelling of its name is derived from the Greek word for wax, "keros," due to its appearance when melting. The IPA phonetic transcription for cerusite is /ˈsɛrəsʌɪt/, with emphasis on the first syllable. The "ce-" is pronounced as /sɛr/ and the "-usite" is pronounced as /əsʌɪt/. It is important to pay attention to the correct spelling of cerusite as it is frequently used in geological discussions.

CERUSITE Meaning and Definition

  1. Cerusite is a mineral that is classified under the lead carbonate subgroup, which also includes minerals such as cerussite, leadhillite, and phosgenite. It is composed of lead carbonate (PbCO3) and crystallizes in the orthorhombic crystal system. In terms of appearance, cerusite typically forms as colorless or white crystals, but it can occasionally display shades of gray, blue, or green due to impurities.

    The name "cerusite" is derived from the Latin word "cerussa," which means white lead. This name is indicative of its most common color and the high lead content in its composition. Cerusite is commonly found as a secondary mineral in the oxidized zone of lead ore deposits. It forms through the weathering and alteration of primary lead minerals, particularly galena, as a result of interaction with carbon dioxide-rich fluids from the surrounding environment.

    Cerusite has a relatively high Mohs hardness of 3 to 3.5, making it a relatively soft mineral. It also exhibits a subadamantine to vitreous luster and has a high specific gravity ranging from 6.46 to 6.55. It is known for its good cleavage in three directions, which produces tabular crystals with characteristic twinning called "sixlings."

    In addition to its geological significance, cerusite has various industrial uses. Its high lead content makes it an important source of lead, which is utilized in various applications such as batteries and radiation shielding. Cerusite can also be appreciated for its aesthetic appeal, leading to its incorporation in jewelry and as a collector's mineral.

Common Misspellings for CERUSITE

  • xerusite
  • verusite
  • ferusite
  • derusite
  • cwrusite
  • csrusite
  • cdrusite
  • crrusite
  • c4rusite
  • c3rusite
  • ceeusite
  • cedusite
  • cefusite
  • cetusite
  • ce5usite
  • ce4usite
  • cerysite
  • cerhsite
  • cerjsite
  • cerhusite

Etymology of CERUSITE

The word "Cerusite" is derived from the Latin term "cerussa", which means "white lead". This Latin term, in turn, comes from the Greek word "kerouseos", meaning "painter's pigment". The name "Cerusite" was given to the mineral due to its white color and its historical use as a source of lead, which was commonly used in paints and pigments.

Plural form of CERUSITE is CERUSITES

Infographic

Add the infographic to your website: