Antimony sulfide forming spectacular elongated prismatic crystals. The primary ore of antimony. Color: Lead-gray to steel-gray. Luster: Metallic. Streak: Dark gray. Cleavage: Perfect in one direction. Hardness: 2. Transparency: Opaque. Crystal system: Orthorhombic. Chemical formula: Sb₂S₃. Specific gravity: 4.63. Formation: Forms in low-temperature hydrothermal veins, often associated with hot springs and epithermal systems. Common geological settings: China, Japan, France, USA; found in low-temperature hydrothermal veins. Common look-alikes and related entries: Galena, Bismuthinite, Molybdenite. Specimen safety: Keep this antimony-bearing specimen intact. Do not cut, grind, polish, streak, lick, heat, or use acid on it. Avoid creating or breathing dust or fumes, wash your hands with soap and water after handling, and keep it away from food, children, and pets.
These authoritative resources support category-level nomenclature, terminology, identification methods, and safety. When a specimen-specific safety warning appears, the public-health source listed here directly supports that precaution. They are not line-by-line citations for every other property on this entry, and natural specimens vary.
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GeoMiner
Last updated
2026-03-30T14:36:59.679087+00:00
Review status
Published; not independently peer-reviewed
IMA–CNMNC List of Mineral Names — International Mineralogical Association. Official mineral-name, nomenclature, and classification records.
Mineral ID Key — Mineralogical Society of America. Physical-property identification methods, repeat-testing guidance, and limitations.
Antimony — CDC/NIOSH. Official occupational-hazard, exposure-route, symptom, and protective-equipment information for antimony.
Antimony sulfide forming spectacular elongated prismatic crystals. The primary ore of antimony.
How can you identify Stibnite?
Compare several properties rather than relying on colour alone. This entry records colour: Lead-gray to steel-gray; lustre: Metallic; streak: Dark gray; Mohs hardness: 2; cleavage: Perfect in one direction; crystal system: Orthorhombic; transparency: Opaque. Confirm an important identification with additional field tests or qualified laboratory work.
How does Stibnite form?
Forms in low-temperature hydrothermal veins, often associated with hot springs and epithermal systems.
Where is Stibnite commonly found?
China, Japan, France, USA; found in low-temperature hydrothermal veins.
Is Stibnite safe to handle?
Keep this antimony-bearing specimen intact. Do not cut, grind, polish, streak, lick, heat, or use acid on it. Avoid creating or breathing dust or fumes, wash your hands with soap and water after handling, and keep it away from food, children, and pets. Avoid creating dust or using destructive tests on an unknown specimen, and follow site-specific safety procedures.
What is Stibnite commonly confused with?
Stibnite may be confused with Galena, Bismuthinite, Molybdenite. Compare multiple diagnostic properties because colour and surface appearance can overlap.
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