Definition

Noun: A rare, steel-grey mineral composed primarily of lead and antimony sulfide (PbSb₂S₄). It is a source of antimony and is characterized by its metallic luster and typically occurring in needle-like or fibrous crystal formations.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The geologist identified the specimen as zinkenite based on its distinctive metallic sheen and crystal habit.
  • This vein contains significant deposits of zinkenite alongside other sulfides.

Advanced Usage

• In mineralogical context: The term is used precisely to describe a specific mineral species within the sulfosalt group.
  • The paragenetic sequence shows zinkenite forming after galena.

Variants and Related Words

• None: "Zinkenite" is a specific mineral name with no common variants. Related terms include other sulfosalt minerals like boulangerite or jamesonite.

Synonyms

• Lead antimony sulfide: A descriptive chemical synonym.
• Plumostibite: An obsolete or very rare alternative name.

Related Phrases/Idioms

• None: As a specific scientific term, "zinkenite" is not used in idiomatic expressions or phrasal verbs.

Noun

1. a steel grey metallic mineral (a sulphide of lead and antimony)