Stibiconite

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.

Stibiconite
General
CategoryOxide minerals
Formula
(repeating unit)
Sb3+Sb5+2O6(OH)
Strunz classification4.DH.20
Crystal systemIsometric
Crystal classHexoctahedral (m3m)
H-M symbol: (4/m 3 2/m)
Space groupFd3m
Unit cella = 10.27 Ã…; Z = 8
Identification
Formula mass478.25 g/mol
ColorPale yellow to yellowish white, reddish white, orange; gray, brown, black when impure
Crystal habitMassive, botryoidal, as incrustations, powdery
CleavageNone
FractureClay-like
Mohs scale hardness4-5
LusterVitreous - dull
Streaklight yellow
DiaphaneityTransparent to translucent
Specific gravity4.1 - 5.8, Average = 4.94
Optical propertiesIsotropic
Refractive indexn=1.6-1.97
References[1][2][3]

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