Stibnite facts for kids
Stibnite is a cool mineral that looks like shiny, metallic needles. Its chemical formula is Sb2S3, which means it's made of antimony and sulfur. Stibnite is super important because it's the main source of a metal called antimony.
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What is Stibnite?
Stibnite is a type of mineral that often grows in long, thin crystals. These crystals can be very beautiful and look like shiny, dark needles. It's found in places where there have been hot springs or volcanic activity.
Properties of Stibnite
Stibnite has some interesting features:
- Softness: It's quite soft, with a Mohs hardness of 2. This means you could scratch it with your fingernail!
- Weight: It's also quite heavy for its size. Scientists measure this with something called specific gravity, and stibnite's is 4.63. This means it's about 4.63 times heavier than the same amount of water.
- Appearance: Stibnite is usually a lead-gray color. It has a bright, metallic shine, which makes it look a bit like metal.
Where is Stibnite Found?
Stibnite is found all over the world. Some of the most famous places include China, Japan, and Romania. The American Museum of Natural History in New York City even has a giant crystal of stibnite on display!
Uses of Antimony
Since stibnite is the main source of antimony, let's talk about what antimony is used for:
- Making Alloys: Antimony is often mixed with other metals to make them stronger or harder. For example, it's used in lead-acid batteries for cars.
- Fire Retardants: It can help make materials less likely to catch fire. This is important for safety in many products.
- Electronics: Antimony is also used in some electronic devices.
Images for kids
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Structure of stibnite.
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A microscopic section of Stibnite
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Stibnite from Herja mine, Romania
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Needles of stibnite within a transparent crystal of calcite (size: 4.5×3.5×1.8 cm)
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Ray of sharp, striated, iridescent metallic stibnite blades
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See also
In Spanish: Estibina (mineral) para niños
