Stibnite
A sulfide mineral and key source of antimony.
Stibnite, sometimes called antimonite, is a sulfide mineral and the most important source for the metalloid antimony. It is a soft, metallic grey crystalline solid with an orthorhombic space group, and its name derives from the Greek στίβι stibi through the Latin stibium.
- category
- Mineral
- chemical_formula
- Sb2S3
- crystal_system
- Orthorhombic
- band_gap
- 1.88 eV at room temperature
- primary_use
- Source of antimony; historically used as kohl and in pyrotechnics
Lore & Background
Stibnite has a structure similar to that of arsenic trisulfide, with pyramidal three-coordinate Sb(III) centers linked by bent two-coordinate sulfide ions. Some studies suggest the actual coordination polyhedra of antimony are SbS7, with (3+4) coordination at the M1 site and (5+2) at the M2 site. The mineral is grey when fresh but can turn black due to oxidation in air. Pastes of Sb2S3 powder have been used since c. 3000 BC as eye cosmetics in the Mediterranean and farther afield, where it is called kohl. It was also used in ancient Egypt as a medication and cosmetic. The 17th century alchemist Eirenaeus Philalethes described stibnite in his alchemical commentary, using it as a precursor to philosophical mercury. Stibnite occurs in hydrothermal deposits and is associated with various minerals. The world's largest deposit is the Xikuangshan mine. Historically, the Romans used stibnite mined in Dacia to make colourless glass.
Reader's Guide
Stibnite holds significance as the primary ore of antimony, a metalloid used in various industrial applications. Its historical use as kohl for eye cosmetics dates back to around 3000 BC, and it was employed in ancient Egypt both as a cosmetic and medication. The mineral also played a role in alchemy, with figures like Eirenaeus Philalethes using it in attempts to create the philosopher's stone. In modern times, stibnite is used in pyrotechnic compositions, safety matches, and as a photoconductor. Its toxicity, with symptoms similar to arsenic poisoning, has led to reduced use in flash powders. The mineral's large crystals, some measuring up to 60×5×5 cm, are prized by collectors, and the Xikuangshan mine in China represents the world's largest antimony deposit. The mineral's structure, with disputed coordination polyhedra, continues to be studied.
Did You Know?
- Stibnite is sometimes called antimonite.
- The name derives from the Greek στίβι stibi through the Latin stibium.
- Historically, the Romans used stibnite mined in Dacia to make colourless glass.
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