Veilennukite

Veilennukite is a rare mineral species that belongs to the sulfide class of minerals. It was first discovered in 1962 in Finland and is named after the Veilennukki mountain on the island of Pargas, where it was found. The mineral is composed of lead and was first described as a serie with permingeatite, a related mineral species.

Veilennukite has a complex composition, with the lead atoms coordinated with cadmium, zinc, and sulfur atoms. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic system and forms tabular or lamellar crystals. The mineral is known to occur in association with other sulfide minerals, such as galena and sphalerite.

In terms of its physical properties, veilennukite is a relatively soft mineral with a Mohs hardness of 3-4. It has a grayish-white color and exhibits a metallic luster. The mineral is opaque and does not display optic or mechanical anisotropy. It has a density of approximately 6.4 g/cm3, which is slightly higher than that of galena.

Veilennukite is considered a relatively rare mineral, with only a few examples known to exist. It has been found in limited quantities in Finland and has also been reported from other locations in Europe. The rarity and limited distribution of veilennukite make it of interest to mineral collectors and researchers, who study its properties and chemical composition to gain a better understanding of its formation and behavior.