Surface characteristics of cerussite, after adsorption of ethylxanthate on cerussite previously treated with distilled water or lead-ion solution for a determined time, were studied using Hallimond tube flotation technique, electrokinetic measurements, and IR data. A prolonged agitation improved the cerussite flotation within the pH range in which Pb 2+ and Pb(OH) + were the dominant species in the solution. The readsorption of lead and hydrolyzed lead ion species on the mineral surface led to a better KEX adsorption and a better floatability of cerussite. Additional Pb 2+ ions gave a better effect than the presence of only Pb 2+ from the mineral lattice. There were optimum time intervals for the best cerussite flotation. The nonstoichiometric lead xanthate was necessary for the improvement of cerussite flotation.