Jamesonite
A variety of Minerals
What is Jamesonite?
Jamesonite is a sulfosalt mineral, a lead, iron, antimony sulfide with formula Pb4FeSb6S14. With the addition of manganese it forms a series with benavidesite. It is a dark grey metallic mineral which forms acicular prismatic monoclinic crystals. It is soft with a Mohs hardness of 2.5 and has a specific gravity of 5.5 - 5.6. It is one of the few sulfide minerals to form fibrous or needle like crystals. It can also form large prismatic crystals similar to stibnite with which it can be associated. It is usually found in low to moderate temperature hydrothermal deposits. It was named for Scottish mineralogist Robert Jameson (1774–1854). It was first identified in 1825 in Cornwall, England. It is also reported from South Dakota and Arkansas, US; Zacatecas, Mexico; and Romania.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Jamesonite before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Jamesonite Localities Map
See where Jamesonite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
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Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Gray-black; iridescent at times
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 2.5
- Density
- 5.76 g/cm³
- Streak
- Gray-black
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- Pb4FeSb6S14 May contain minor Bi.
- Elements
- Fe, Pb, S, Sb
Also Known As
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Jamesonite FAQs
How do I identify Jamesonite?
Jamesonite can be identified by its hardness of 2.5 on the Mohs scale, Gray-black; iridescent at times color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Jamesonite?
Jamesonite typically appears in Gray-black; iridescent at times. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Jamesonite?
Jamesonite has a hardness of 2.5 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a soft mineral that can be scratched easily.
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