Mutual Pb2+/Sn2+ substitution in sulfosalts

Summary In naturally occurring sulfides and sulfosalts, the elements tin and lead can substitute for each other and form solid solution series. The best known example is the montesite series between teallite and herzenbergite. Within a coordinated research program including ore microscopy, X-ray and microprobe studies, mineral syntheses and Mössbauer spectroscopy, other lead sulfosalts were discovered which show considerable solid solution series.Natural tin-bearing jamesonites which have been recently discovered have also been confirmed experimentally.The present work reveales a broad solid solution field for franckeite ranging from Pb-rich potosiite to Sn-rich incaite. The well-established silver-free franckeite formula exhibits an ideal composition of(Pb, Sn) ₆ ²⁺ Fe²⁺ Sn ₂ ⁴⁺ Sb ₂ ³⁺ S ₁₄ ^2– . Valencies of the Fe, Sn, and Sb in franckeite shown in this formula have been confirmed by Mössbauer spectroscopy. Frequently observed trace amounts of Ag, Zn, Ge, and In are not essential in the structure.Numerous microprobe analyses of cylindrites indicate that they form a restricted solid solution series with slight Pb/Sn²⁺ variations. Cylindrite forms at increased sulfur fugacity. Experiments and microprobe analyses on ores demonstrate the direct replacement of tin-rich franckeite or incaite by pseudomorphic lamellae of cylindrite during controlled sulfdization but no characteristic cylinders were observed. In the replacement reaction most or all of the bivalent tin was oxidized to quadrivalent tin to form cylindrite Pb₄FeSn₄Sb₂S₁₆.Contribution to the Ore Mineralogy Symposium (IMA/COM) at the 14th General Meeting of the International Mineralogical Association, at Stanford, California, in July, 1986.