Stibnite Crystal – Prismatic Form – Lengshuijiang Mine, Hunan

Stibnite crystals offer an exquisite prismatic habit, making them a prized addition for mineral collectors. Sourced from the renowned Lengshuijiang Mine in Hunan, China, these lustrous formations are a testament to nature's artistry. Their striking appearance and unique structure are sure to captivate enthusiasts and experts alike.

Stibnite (Sb₂S₃) crystallizes in the orthorhombic system, typically forming slender, elongated crystals with a metallic luster that ranges from silver-gray to lead-gray in color. The specimen’s distinct prismatic crystals exhibit smooth, reflective faces that highlight its natural geometry. With a Mohs hardness of 2, stibnite is relatively soft, requiring careful handling to preserve its delicate crystal edges.

The Lengshuijiang Mine, located in Hunan Province, is one of the world’s most famous localities for stibnite, historically known for its rich antimony deposits. Specimens from this region are highly regarded for their well-defined crystal forms and quality of preservation. This particular piece, weighing around 20 grams and measuring approximately 16x11x55 mm, represents a fine example of the mine’s output and holds significant interest for collectors focused on classic mineral localities and crystal aesthetics.

Collectors value such specimens not only for their rarity but also for their display quality, as the elongated prismatic crystals create an elegant visual impact. When handling, it is advisable to avoid exposure to moisture and to store the specimen in a padded box or display case to prevent damage to the fragile crystal terminations.

Hunan Province, China — collector-grade fluorite, stibnite, scheelite, cassiterite.