Stibiconite

Stibiconite
General
Category Oxide minerals
Formula
(repeating unit)
Sb3+Sb5+2O6(OH)
Strunz classification 4.DH.20
Crystal system Isometric
Unit cell a = 10.27 Å; Z = 8
Identification
Formula mass 478.25
Color Pale yellow to yellowish white, reddish white, orange; gray, brown, black when impure
Crystal habit Massive, botryoidal, as incrustations, powdery
Crystal symmetry Isometric - hexoctahedral
H-M symbol (4/m 3 2/m)
Space group: F d3m
Cleavage None
Fracture Clay-like
Mohs scale hardness 4-5
Luster Vitreous - dull
Streak light yellow
Diaphaneity Transparent to translucent
Specific gravity 4.1 - 5.8, Average = 4.94
Optical properties Isotropic
Refractive index n=1.6-1.97
References [1][2][3]

Stibiconite is an antimony oxide mineral with formula: Sb3O6(OH). Its name originates from Greek "stibi" (antimony) and "konis" (powder), alluding to its composition and habit.[1][2][3] It is a member of the pyrochlore super group.

Discovery and occurrence

It was first described in 1862 for an occurrence in the Brandholz - Goldkronach District, Fichtelgebirge, Franconia, Bavaria.[2]

It occurs as a secondary alteration product of other hydrothermal antimony minerals such as stibnite. It occurs in association with cervantite, valentinite, kermesite, native antimony and stibnite.[3]

References

  1. 1 2 "Stibiconite". Webminerals. Retrieved 2009-06-06.
  2. 1 2 3 "Stibiconite". Mindat. Retrieved 2009-06-06.
  3. 1 2 3 Handbook of Mineralogy
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