Bournonite

It's time to show a black mineral that is relatively less appreciated in the world of mineral collection than colorful matter. However, dark-color sometimes makes things special if they have the right luster, shape and association.

Bournonite, a rare Pb-Cu-Sb sulfosalt that well known for twinned crystal. It was named over two centuries ago and only a few occurrences that produce collectible specimen worldwide, such as UK, Peru and Bolivia.

Yaogangxian mine, one of the most known Chinese locality in the market, also the most productive tungsten mine (～90%) in China. The vein-type ore bodies hosted in Cambrian to Jurassic strata and Mesozoic granitic intrusions. Paragenesis of quartz and fluorite makes it rarer and extraordinary desirable for most of collectors.

Here's a unique toenail specimen shows a DT, lustrous bournonite xl just perfect perched on a floater quartz cluster. Hard to imagine how this was well-preserved and untimely to my hand.

Jeff Scovil Photo