Cerussite

Elizabeth I used cerussite to cover scars and created a fashion.

A Cerussite Snowflake

Often occurring in attractive snowflake-like twinned crystals, cerussite is frequently found where lead deposits are exposed to the air.

Cerussite is often faceted for Collectors

Stones are white - pale brown and brittle with adamantine properties, but with a higher density than diamond, it is sometimes faceted in a brilliant cut, but too soft for jewellery.

The name comes from cerussa, Latin for 'white lead'.

Powdered cerussite in a paste was the compound used by Elizabeth I of England to whiten her face, as was the fashion. (Elizabeth was especially conscious of the scars caused by a bout of smallpox), unfortunately the compound is poisonous and caused further scarring which Elizabeth tried to hide by applying more cerussite!