Jamesonite
Image: Didier Descouens (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NameJamesonite
Chemical FormulaPb4FeSb6S14
Mohs Hardness2.5
Crystal Systemmonoclinic
Lustermetallic
Streak Colorgrayish black
Cleavagegood on {001}
Fractureuneven
Specific Gravity5.5
Colorsdark gray, steel-gray, blackish
Transparencyopaque
Type LocalityAnita Mine - Huaron Peru
Mineral Groupsulfosalts
Usesore of lead, ore of antimony, collector
Associated Mineralsquartz, galena, sphalerite, pyrite, stibnite
Rarityuncommon
Description
The image displays a dense cluster of dark, needle-like (acicular) Jamesonite crystals exhibiting a metallic luster, radiating outwards and embedded within a matrix of white to translucent quartz.
Geological Context
Jamesonite typically forms in low-to-moderate temperature hydrothermal veins, often found in association with other lead, antimony, and iron sulfides and sulfosalts.
