Cerussite is usually colorless, bill white, grey, and black specimens have been found. Is two most distinctive features are its high density and its adamantine luster. Crystals have lit stubby tabular or elongate habit. Although attractive, it is too soft to have much value us a gemstone, and is cut solely lord collectors.

Cerussite is usually found around lead ores. large, clear, transparent, colorless, cut table crystals have been found in 'Tsumeb (Namibia). Other localities include Austria, Australia, Czechoslovakia, the USA, Germany, Scotland, and, including Sardinia.

Sometimes confused with diamond and other colorless gems, it may be distinguished by its higher density.