Stibnite
Image: Robert M. Lavinsky (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NameStibnite
Chemical FormulaSb2S3
Mohs Hardness2
Crystal Systemorthorhombic
Lustermetallic
Streak Colorlead gray to black
CleavagePerfect on {010}
Fractureuneven
Specific Gravity4.52
Colorslead-gray, steel-gray, black
Transparencyopaque
Type LocalityBaia Mare (Nagybánya), Maramures County, Romania
Mineral GroupSulfides
Usesore of antimony, collector's specimens
Associated Mineralsquartz, calcite, barite, cinnabar, galena, pyrite
Rarityuncommon
Description
The image displays a cluster of elongated, needle-like to prismatic crystals of stibnite, exhibiting a distinct metallic lead-gray luster. The crystals are arranged in a radiating or parallel aggregate, showcasing their characteristic striations.
Geological Context
Stibnite typically forms in low-temperature hydrothermal veins, often associated with hot springs and volcanic deposits. It is the most important ore mineral of antimony, found in various geological settings worldwide.
