Bournonite

Bournonite is a popular mineral composed of antimony sulfide. ^[1]

Bournonite: Quick Facts and Characteristics

Some quick facts for Bournonite:

• Transparency: Bournonite is opaque.
• Crystallography: In terms of crystallography, bournonite is orthorhombic.
• Luster: In terms of luster, bournonite is metallic.
• Streak: Bournonite streaks black, dark gray, gray or nearly black.
• Specific Gravity: Bournonite's specific gravity ranges from 5.8 to 5.9.

Bournonite: Background and Summary

Bournonite is a mineral that belongs to the sulfosalt group. It is a complex lead-copper-antimony sulfide mineral with the chemical formula PbCuSbS3. Bournonite is also known as cogwheel ore due to its unique crystal habit, which appears like a cogwheel. Bournonite can be identified by its gray to dark steel-gray color, metallic luster, and a high specific gravity of 5.8-5.9. It is a brittle mineral with a hardness of 2.5-3 on the Mohs scale.

Bournonite is a relatively rare mineral, and it is found in hydrothermal veins associated with other sulfide minerals such as galena, sphalerite, chalcopyrite, and tetrahedrite. It is mainly found in Germany, Peru, and Mexico. Bournonite is used as an ore of lead and antimony, and it is also a minor source of copper. It is used in the manufacturing of lead-acid batteries, soldering, and ammunition.

Bournonite has some unique properties that make it a valuable mineral. It is a semiconductor with a high electrical conductivity and is used in electronic devices such as transistors and diodes. It is also used in the production of infrared detectors and solar cells. Bournonite is also used in the production of pigments and in the manufacture of jewelry.