Black metallic crystal aggregates of the extremely rare sulphosalt mineral veenite from Mexico (Guitarra Mine, Temascaltepec). — Photo: David Hospital · CC BY-SA 4.0
Veenite
Veenite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the sulfosalt class, with the chemical formula Pb₂(Sb,As)₂S₅.
It crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system.
Key properties: specific gravity 5.92; Black, faint brownish tinge against white background streak.
IMA symbol Vee, IMA status: approved, named in 1966.
Occurs as small masses, stringers, and disseminated grains in marbles developed in a sequence of Precambrian metasediments near a contact with plutonic granitic gneiss (Madoc, Canada).
It is found associated with Gratonite, calcite, boulangerite, other lead antimonides, sphalerite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, arsenopyrite, galena (Madoc, Canada).
The mineral was named to honor R.W. van der Veen (1883–1925), Dutch economic geologist and metallographer.