Gemdle

Stibnite

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Stibnite, a gray/black mineral
Robert M. Lavinsky · CC BY-SA 3.0
ColourGray, Black
Mohs hardness2
LustreMetallic
StreakLead grey
Crystal systemOrthorhombic
TransparencyOpaque
CleavagePerfect and easy on {010}; imperfect on {100} and {110}
FractureSubconchoidal
Chemical formulaSb 2 S 3
Specific gravity4.63

What is Stibnite?

Stibnite, sometimes called antimonite, is a sulfide mineral, a mineral form of antimony trisulfide (Sb2S3). It is a soft, metallic grey crystalline solid with an orthorhombic space group. It is the most important source for the metalloid antimony. The name is derived from the Greek στίβι stibi through the Latin stibium as the former name for the mineral and the element antimony.

How to identify Stibnite

Can you spot Stibnite?

Test yourself on photos of Stibnite and lookalikes:

Frequently asked questions

How hard is Stibnite?
Stibnite is Mohs 2 on the hardness scale.
What colour is Stibnite?
Stibnite is typically gray, black (Lead-gray, tarnishing blackish or iridescent; in polished section, white).