Zinkenite

A fine specimen of the sulphosalt Zinkenite, forming an array of acicular bladed metallic grey crystals richly aggregated over red-brown Goethite replacing Siderite crystals. This miniature is from the Siderite lenses in the outcrops to the north of Saint-Pons village in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France, a locality about 22 km west of the border with Italy. Zinkenite, a lead antimony sulphide, is classed as a sulphosalt due to the presence and association of antimony (Sb) and sulphur (S). The lath-like crystals measure up to over 1 cm and richly line a V-shaped open cavity. Although the Zinkenite is totally stable and well anchored to the matrix, it is also delicate and friable and requires careful handling, a point to note. This is a lovely example of Zinkenite from the Saint-Pons outcrops, enhanced by the contrasting Goethite pseudomorphs.