Mineral Species: Stibnite
Chemical Formula: Sb2S3
Chemical Name: Antimony Trisulfide
Mineral Class: Sulphide
Mineral Notes: Stibnite is an important ore of Antimony. It is deposited from hot solutions, often with Arsenic minerals and Cinnabar, an ore of Mercury. Stibnite has the interesting property of having gliding planes. Thus many crystals can be bent, or will bend under pressure, without fracturing. The atoms will glide a definite distance in the basal plane, and then stop.
Description: An unusual specimen consisting of long columnar crystals embedded in a quartz matrix. Some form narrow fan-like sprays. The contrast between the mineral and matrix is very attractive, especially as the Stibnite is very lustrous and metallic.
Location: Knipe Mine, Hare Hill, New Cumnock, Scotland.