Stibnite
A variety of Stibnite Group
What is Stibnite?
Stibnite is an uncommon mineral with an almost otherworldly appearance - it forms long, dark grey crystals with a strong metallic sheen. It was used by ancient Egyptians as a cosmetic around the eyes, referred to as "kohl." Today, stibnite is mined for its antimony content. That element is used in the manufacture of fireworks and matches, among other products.
Etymology & Origins
The name is from the Greek στίβι stibi through the Latin stibium as the old name for the mineral and the element antimony.
Uses & Applications
Stibnite was historically used as a metallic powder applied as eye shadow, though today it is the primary ore for antimony. The antimony mined from stibnite is further used in batteries and semiconductors, and can be used to make flame retardant materials like paint and pottery.
Healing Properties
Stibnite is believed to have transformative energy that helps to align all the chakras, allowing the individual to realize their aspirations and move positively toward their personal goals. It is said that by carrying it or keeping it in your home, it will help to attract the things in life that are most desirable to you. Combining it with other stones is believed to increase its power.
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Associated Chakras
Key Characteristics
Characteristics of Stibnite
The melting point of Sb2S3 is 823 K. The band gap is 1.88 eV at room temperature and it is a photoconductor.
Formation of Stibnite
Stibnite occurs in hydrothermal deposits and is associated with realgar, orpiment, cinnabar, galena, pyrite, marcasite, arsenopyrite, cervantite, stibiconite, calcite, ankerite, barite and chalcedony. Small deposits of stibnite are common, but large deposits are rare. It occurs in Canada, Mexico, Peru, Japan, China, Germany, Romania, Italy, France, England, Algeria, and Kalimantan, Borneo. In the United States it is found in Arkansas, Idaho, Nevada, California, and Alaska. As of May 2007, the largest specimen on public display (1000 pounds) is at the American Museum of Natural History. The largest documented single crystals of stibnite measured ~60×5×5 cm and originated from different locations including Japan, France and Germany.
Composition of Stibnite
Stibnite has a structure similar to that of arsenic trisulfide, As2S3. The Sb(III) centers, which are pyramidal and three-coordinate, are linked via bent two-coordinate sulfide ions. However, recent studies confirm that the actual coordination polyhedra of antimony are in fact SbS7, with (3+4) coordination at the M1 site and (5+2) at the M2 site. Some of the secondary bonds impart cohesion and are connected with packing. Stibnite is grey when fresh, but can turn superficially black due to oxidation in air.
Health & Safety Information
- ⚠️Harm Reason: Stibnite dust is toxic because it contains heavy metals Antimony.
- ⚠️How to prevent the risks of Stibnite?
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Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Lead-gray with pale blue tint
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 2
- Density
- 4.625 g/cm³
- Streak
- Lead grey
- Luster
- Metallic
- Crystal System
- Orthorhombic
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- Sb2S3
- Elements
- S, Sb
Also Known As
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