輝鉍礦
Bi2S3
Bismuthinite is a sulfide mineral known for its striking metallic crystals, with known Chinese sources.
Bismuthinite is the principal sulfide ore of bismuth. It forms elongated, bladed to acicular (needle-like) crystals with a bright metallic, lead-grey to tin-white colour and a tendency to bend and striate along their length. It is a characteristic mineral of high-temperature hydrothermal vein systems.
Identifying bismuthinite
Bismuthinite is soft (2) and heavy, with a metallic grey colour, perfect lengthwise cleavage and flexible, striated blades. It can resemble stibnite (antimony sulfide) but is denser and associated with very different minerals. It crystallises in greisen and quartz veins, often with wolframite, cassiterite, molybdenite and arsenopyrite.
Where it is found
Bismuthinite occurs in the tungsten-tin-bismuth vein deposits of southern China — notably the Yaogangxian mine and related W-Sn districts of Hunan Province — embedded in or perched on milky quartz with wolframite. Other classic sources include Bolivia, Portugal and Australia.
What collectors look for
Bright, undamaged metallic blades, and aesthetic specimens of bismuthinite spraying across or perched on white quartz with wolframite, are the most collectable. Crystal size and lustre drive value.
