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www.mineralgallery.co.za Minerals A-E |
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Antimony |
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Name
Antimony
Chemistry
Sb
Uses
Minor ore of antimony and as mineral specimens and as dye for glass
Color
Light gray, Tin white.
Hardness
3-3.5
Specific gravity
6.6 - 6.7
Crystals
Trigonal
Accompanied by:
Arsenic, Stibnite, Sphalerite, Nickeline
Fracture
Brittle and uneven
Luster
Metallic
Cleavage
Perfect
Streak
Lead gray to tin-white
Similar to:
Stibarsen
The natural sulfide of Antimony was used in Biblical times as a cosmetic and as medicine.
Antimony contains some Arsenic, but may also contain Iron, Silver and Sulfur.
It's a minor ore of the element Antimony.
Native Antimony is found in small quantities in hydrothermal veins, it is formed by reactions of Antimony Dulphur minerals.
Antimony is also called Chalcophile, here it occurs with sulfur and the heavy metals, lead, copper, and silver.
Many minerals of Antimony are found in nature and Stibnite is the predominant ore mineral.
Antimony metal is used in lead storage batteries as a hardener.
Antimony is also used in semiconductor technology in making infra-red detectors and diodes. Other uses include type metal, bullets and cable sheathing.
Antimony compounds are used in manufacturing flame-proof compounds, paints, enamels, glass and pottery.
