White lead is the basic lead carbonate (2PbCO
3·Pb(OH)
2). It is a complex salt, containing both carbonate and hydroxide ions. White lead occurs naturally as a mineral, in which context it is known as hydrocerussite, a
hydrate of
cerussite. It was formerly used as an ingredient for
lead paint and a cosmetic called
Venetian Ceruse, because of its
opacity and the satiny smooth mixture it made with dryable oils. However, it tended to cause
lead poisoning, and its use has been banned in most countries.