Stibnite is a striking metallic mineral composed of antimony sulfide (Sb₂S₃). It is best known for its elongated, blade-like crystals and silvery-gray appearance. These crystals often form in radiating or parallel clusters, giving stibnite a dramatic, sculptural look.
Stibnite typically forms in hydrothermal veins, where mineral-rich hot fluids circulate through fractures in rock. It is often found alongside quartz and other sulfide minerals. Some of the world’s most well-known stibnite deposits come from China, Japan, Romania, and parts of India.
Due to its softness and brittleness, stibnite is more valued for its visual and mineralogical characteristics rather than for durability. It is also the primary ore of antimony, a metal used in flame retardants, batteries, and alloys.
