Everything about Stibnite totally explained
Stibnite, sometimes called
antimonite, is a
sulfide mineral with the
formula Sb2S3. It forms grey
orthorhombic crystals of
hardness 2. It is the most important source for the rare
metaloid antimony.
Formation and structure
Stibnite is formed from antimony(III) compounds with
hydrogen sulfide. This reaction gives a black precipitate:
» 2 Sb
3+ + 3
H2S → Sb
2S
3 + 6 H
+
This reaction is reversed by
hydrochloric acid.
Stibnite is attacked by potassium hydroxide solution and dissolves in solutions of
polysulfide ions to give polysulfido complexes. Related reactions were once used in university courses on qualitative inorganic analysis.
Stibnite has a structure similar to that of
As2S
3. The Sb(III) centers, which are pyramidal and three-coordinate, are linked via bent two-coordinate sulfide ions.
Uses
Stibnite is used to make
fireworks, metal
antifriction alloys, and
batteries. It was used as
mascara by Queen
Jezebel of the
Old Testament (2 Kings 9,30) and is an ingredient of
safety matches.
Occurrence
Small deposits of stibnite are common; 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's found in
Arkansas,
Idaho,
Nevada,
California, and
Alaska. Large iridescent stibnite crystals are found in Japan.
As of May 2007, the largest specimen on public display (1000 pounds) is at the
American Museum of Natural History.
Further Information
Get more info on 'Stibnite'.
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