JAMESONITE

Jamesonite, also known as axotomous antimony glance, domingite, comuccite, pfaffite, grey antimony, or feather ore, is a sulphosalt mineral characterized by its composition of lead, iron, and antimony sulphide, represented by the formula Pb4FeSb6S14. This mineral can form a series with benavidesite when manganese is present and is recognized for its dark grey metallic appearance, typically exhibiting acicular prismatic monoclinic crystals. With a Mohs hardness of 2.5 and a specific gravity ranging from 5.5 to 5.6, jamesonite is one of the few sulphide minerals that can develop fibrous or needle-like crystals, as well as larger prismatic crystals akin to stibnite. It is predominantly located in low to moderate temperature hydrothermal deposits.

Named after the Scottish mineralogist Robert Jameson, who lived from 1774 to 1854, jamesonite was first identified in 1825 in Cornwall, England, and has also been found in locations such as South Dakota and Arkansas in the United States, Zacatecas in Mexico, and Romania. This mineral is notable for its extensive array of synonyms and regional names, which is quite rare among prominent minerals. In addition to the previously mentioned names, it is referred to as warrenite, wolfsbergite, plumite, rosellan, rosenite, sakharovaite, bleiantimonit, and antimonial radiant glance, among others. Historical German literature has recorded names such as lumpenerz, stahlantimonglanz, spiessglasfedererz, chalybinglanz, and zundererz. Furthermore, the term "axotomous antimony glance" was widely accepted in the mineralogical community until the early 19th century.