Stibnite - Wikipedia

Stibnite, sometimes called antimonite, is a sulfide mineral with the formula Sb2S3. This soft grey material crystallizes in an orthorhombic space group.[ 6] It is the most important source for the metalloid antimony.[ 7] The name is derived from the Greek στίβι stibi through the Latin stibium as the former name for the mineral and the element antimony.[ 3] [ 4]

Stibnite has a structure similar to that of arsenic trisulfide, As2S3. The Sb(III) centers, which are pyramidal and three-coordinate, are linked via bent two-coordinate sulfide ions. However, some studies suggest that the actual coordination polyhedra of antimony are SbS7, with (3+4) coordination at the M1 site and (5+2) at the M2 site. Some of the secondary bonds impart cohesion and are connected with packing.[ 8] Stibnite is grey when fresh, but can turn superficially black due to oxidation in air.

The melting point of Sb2S3 is 823 K (550 °C; 1,022 °F).[ 9] The band gap is 1.88 eV at room temperature and it is a photoconductor.[ 10] Stibnite is also toxic upon ingestion, with symptoms similar to those of arsenic poisoning.[ 11]

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