Lengshuijiang Antimony Mine
Curated by Maggie Liu · Updated:
About Lengshuijiang Antimony Mineextended article
Lengshuijiang — the world's largest antimony deposit
The Lengshuijiang antimony district in central Hunan Province (also referred to as Xikuangshan) is the single largest known antimony deposit on Earth, accounting for a significant share of historical world production. For collectors, it is the benchmark source for sharp, undamaged acicular and prismatic stibnite (Sb₂S₃) crystals.
Geological setting
Lengshuijiang is a low-temperature epithermal antimony deposit hosted in Devonian carbonates. The hydrothermal vein systems formed at relatively shallow depths, which is one reason the stibnite here has such well-preserved crystal habits — high-temperature antimony deposits typically yield massive ore, not crystallized specimens.
What Lengshuijiang is known for
- Acicular stibnite "needle" clusters with metallic luster
- Prismatic and columnar stibnite crystals
- Stibnite + calcite + barite associations
- Larger stibnite "blade" specimens (5–25 cm range)
Typical specimen style
Crystals are highly elongated, with the characteristic perfect cleavage that defines the species; metallic luster is silver-grey, sometimes with faint blue iridescent tarnish. Matrix is usually crystalline calcite, occasionally with associated barite.
Collector value
Mid-2000s through mid-2010s pockets produced some of the best modern stibnite. Crystal sharpness, freedom from cleavage damage, and matrix integrity drive value. Large undamaged pieces with metallic luster and minimal tarnish are particularly sought after.
Care notes
Stibnite tarnishes slowly in humid environments. Store with a desiccant in low-light display, and avoid direct contact with sulfur-laden materials. Do not clean with acidic solutions.
From our inventory
Browse all Lengshuijiang specimens or jump to our stibnite buying guide.
From Our Sources
Xikuangshan — the district the site lists as Lengshuijiang — is the benchmark source for stibnite, and stibnite is the least forgiving mineral we handle. At Mohs 2 the crystals mark if they so much as roll against each other in transit, so condition is the whole game: we grade for undamaged terminations, needles and prisms that have not been bent or re-seated, and blades that sit on matrix the way they grew.
Every piece is natural and untreated, photographed as the exact specimen shipped, and packed for the softness of the species rather than for the size of the box.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Xikuangshan the reference locality for stibnite?
It is the single largest known antimony deposit on Earth and has accounted for a significant share of historical world production. For collectors the significance is different from the industrial one: this is where sharp, undamaged acicular and prismatic stibnite crystals come from. The deposit is low-temperature epithermal, hosted in Devonian carbonates and formed at relatively shallow depth.
How do I handle and store stibnite safely?
Treat it as the softest thing in your case. Stibnite has a Mohs hardness of 2 — softer than a fingernail is hard — so it scratches against almost anything, including other specimens. Handle by the matrix rather than the crystals, store it where nothing can shift onto it, and never wet-clean or brush the blades. Our stibnite reference covers the species data.
What is the difference between acicular and prismatic stibnite?
Acicular means needle-like — fine, radiating sprays. Prismatic means blockier, columnar crystals with visible faces. Xikuangshan produces both, and neither is "better": sprays show the growth habit dramatically, single prisms show crystal form and are usually easier to keep undamaged. Browse the stibnite currently in stock to compare.
Where is Lengshuijiang Antimony Mine?
Lengshuijiang Antimony Mine is a mineral locality in Hunan, China. It lies at approximately 27.7500°N, 111.4900°E.
What minerals are found at Lengshuijiang Antimony Mine?
Signature minerals from Lengshuijiang Antimony Mine include Stibnite. The locality lies in Hunan, China, and each mineral links to a full reference entry with formula, crystal system, and collector notes.
What is Lengshuijiang Antimony Mine known for?
Lengshuijiang (Xikuangshan), Hunan — the world's largest antimony deposit and benchmark source for stibnite crystals.
Specimens from Lengshuijiang Antimony Mine
Stibnite Cluster with Barite, Lengshuijiang, Hunan
Stibnite Crystals – Metallic Brilliance – Lengshuijiang, Hunan
Stibnite Crystals – Acicular Radiating Form – Lengshuijiang, Hunan
Stibnite Crystal – Columnar Form – Lengshuijiang Mine, Hunan
Stibnite Crystal – Prismatic Form – Lengshuijiang Mine, Hunan
Stibnite Crystals, Lengshuijiang, China
