Bournonite xls; Mine de Malines, France; Scab; unique piece
Bournonite crystals from Mine de Malines, France – small cabinet specimen as unique piece
This attractive small cabinet specimen displays numerous dark gray to steel gray Bournonite crystals on contrasting matrix. The crystals are clearly visible and show the typical blocky to tabular habit with a metallic luster characteristic of Bournonite. Particularly striking is the dense crystal coverage across large areas of the specimen, creating an aesthetically pleasing appearance. The combination of well-developed crystals and the lighter matrix area in the center adds visual depth and makes this an appealing collector specimen.
Geology & Origin
Bournonite is a lead copper antimony sulfide with the chemical formula PbCuSbS₃. The mineral typically forms in hydrothermal ore veins and commonly occurs together with Galena, Sphalerite, Pyrite and other sulfide minerals. Mine de Maline in France is considered one of the classic European localities for sulfide ore minerals and has produced numerous well-crystallized collector specimens. Due to its characteristic crystal forms and metallic luster, Bournonite has long been valued by both systematic and aesthetic mineral collectors.
This table is for general information and orientation, although the sizes of the stones may vary. In addition, this specification is handled differently from region to region.
| Sizes | Description | approx. Sizes in mm/cm | approx. Sizes in INCH | |
| Capsule | Capsule | 0.1–0.5 mm in a transparent hard capsule (approx. 1 cm) | capsule contents 0.1–0.5 mm | capsule contents 0.004–0.02 in |
| TN/mm | Micromount (TN = Thumbnail) | everything fitting in a TN Perky box or a MM box of approx. 1 in | approx. 0.5–2.5 cm | max. 1 in |
| Min | Miniature specimen | will not fit a TN or MM box anymore | approx. 2.5–5 cm | approx. 0.2–1.0 in |
| Scab | small cabinet specimen | approx. one-third to half a hand size | approx. 5–9 cm | approx. 1.0–2.0 in |
| Cab | cabinet specimen | full hand size | approx. 9–15 cm | approx. 2.0–3.5 in |
| large Cab | large cabinet specimen | approx. two hand sizes | approx. 15–30 cm | approx. 3.5–6.0 in |
| very large Cab | very large cabinet specimen | everything larger, no upper limit |
Abbreviations commonly used in mineralogy.
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
| xl | single crystal, possible with matrix |
| xls | noticeable crystals |
| (xl) | embedded or damaged |
| (xls) | embedded or damaged |
| MASS | massive and/or amorphous pieces |
| TYP | type locality of the original description |
| SWUV | shortwave-UV-reaction |
| UV | ultraviolet reaction |
| SC | self-collected |
| U | unique (single unique piece) |
Usage Instructions
This product is ideal as a collector's item, decorative element, teaching material, or for scientific and exhibition purposes.
Legal Notices
Safety
We accept no liability for damages resulting from improper and/or non-recommended use. Please carefully assess the suitability of the product before any alternative use.
Responsible Provider
Mikon Mineralienkontor GmbH
Steinslieth 11
D-37130 Gleichen OT Klein Lengden
Email: info@mikon-online.com
| shipment-weight, NOT netto weight (kg) | 0.100000 |
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