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Bournonite

A species of Bournonite Group, Also known as Cogwheel Ore, Antimonial Lead Ore, Endellione, Plomb Sulfuré Antimonifère, Tripelglanz, Wölchite

The appearance of bournonite gives clues as to the composition of this iridescent mineral. During the formation process, copper and lead mesh together into unique, cog-shaped crystals. Perfect specimens of this unusual crystalline form fetch very high prices in the collectors market!

Hardness:

2.5 - 3

Density:

5.84 g/cm³

General Info About Bournonite

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Physical Properties of Bournonite

Luster

Metallic

Diaphaneity

Opaque

Colors

Steel-gray

Magnetism

Non-magnetic

Tenacity

Brittle

Cleavage

Indistinct

Fracture

Uneven, Subconchoidal

Streak

Steel-gray

Crystal System

Orthorhombic

Hardness

2.5 - 3 , Soft

Density

5.84 g/cm³, Obviously Heavy Weight

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Chemical Properties of Bournonite

Chemical Classification

Sulfosalt

Formula

PbCuSbS₃

Elements listed

Cu, Pb, S, Sb

Common Impurities

As, Ag, Fe, Zn, Mn, Ni

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Rarity

Rare

Characteristics of Bournonite

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Cultural Significance of Bournonite

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Uses of Bournonite

Bournonite is a minor ore of copper and lead. Copper is used in wiring, electrical equipment, construction, and coins. Lead is used for car batteries, ammunition, weights, and radiation protection. Bournonite is also a valuable mineral among collectors for its rarity and cogwheel shape.

Distribution of Bournonite

It was first described for an occurrence in Wheal Boys in the parish of St Endellion in Cornwall, it was found associated with jamesonite, sphalerite and siderite. Later, still better crystals were found in another Cornish mine, namely, Herodsfoot mine near Liskeard, which was worked for argentiferous galena. Fine crystals of large size have been found with quartz and siderite in the mines at Neudorf in the Harz, and with sphalerite and tetrahedrite at Cavnic near Baia Mare in Romania. It has been reported from a large number of other localities.

Mineralogy and Petrology of Bournonite

It is a mineral in medium temperature hydrothermal vein deposits. It commonly occurs with galena, tetrahedrite, sphalerite, chalcopyrite, pyrite, stibnite, zinkenite, siderite, quartz, rhodochrosite, dolomite and barite.