 |
|
|
Bismuthinite is an uncommon bismuth mineral that forms in interesting crystal habits. It generally forms in bismuth deposits, and may even form in together with Native Bismuth. Bismuthinite is structurally similar to Stibnite, with a similar appearance, but they occur in different environments, and Stibnite can form in much larger and robust crystals. Bismutite, a bismuth carbonate mineral, sometimes forms as an alteration of Bismuthinite. Bismuthinite is named for its bismuth content.
|
|
|
Chemical Formula |
Bi2S3
|
|
Composition |
Bismuth sulfide
|
|
Color |
Metallic gray to silver. May have a slightly yellow or iridescent tarnish. |
|
Streak |
Gray |
|
Hardness |
2 |
|
Crystal System |
Orthorhombic |
|
|
|
Crystal Forms
and Aggregates |
Individual crystals, which are uncommon, are mostly in long and prismatic crystals that are usually striated. Tabular crystals are extremely rare. Most often in acicular groupings, in radiating groups, in thin splintery growths, and bladed. Also in foliated masses, grainy, and massive. Crystals are sometime bent or entirely misshaped.
|
|
Transparency |
Opaque |
|
Specific Gravity |
6.8 |
|
Luster |
Metallic |
|
Cleavage |
1,1 |
|
Fracture |
Uneven |
|
Tenacity |
Brittle. Also slightly flexible and sectile. |
|
In Group |
Sulfides; Simple Sulfides |
|
Striking Features |
High density, low hardness, and crystal habit |
| Environment |
In hydrothermal replacement deposits, in granite pegmatites, and in magmatic hydrothermal veins. |
| Rock Type |
Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic |
|
Popularity (1-4)
|
3 |
|
Prevalence (1-3)
|
3 |
|
Demand (1-3) |
2 |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Bismuthinite is an important ore of the element bismuth.
|
|
Bismuthinite is not a common mineral. Excellent examples of this mineral, including large individual crystals, have come from Potosí, Bolivia, especially at the Tazna Mine. Large foliated crystal masses of Bismuthinite were found in the Biggenden Mine, Queensland, Australia. In Europe, noteworthy localities include the Redruth, Camborne, and St. Day Austell Districts, Cornwall, England; Les Chaises, Meymac, Corrèze, France; the Clara Mine, Oberwolfach, Black Forest, Baden-Württemberg, Germany; and the Alsó-Rózsa Mine, Nagybörzsöny, Hungary. Tiny Bismuthinite needles come from the La Fossa crater, Vulcano Island, (near Lipari Island), Italy.
In the U.S., Bismuthinite localities include the Old Mine Plaza construction site, Trumbull, Fairfield Co., Connecticut; Haddam and Portland, Middlesex Co., Connecticut; and the Creole Mine, Mineral Range, Beaver Co., Utah.
|
|
May appear similar to Stibnite but can be distinguished by a higher specific gravity.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Have a question about Bismuthinite? Visit our Q&A Community and ask the experts!
|
|
|
|
Let us know how we can update this page
(Click for more details)
|
|
We strive for accurate content and locality information. If you feel any of the content is incorrect, or if you feel we are missing vital locality information, please fill out the form below so we can update the site. If you are requesting a locality be added, please only include significant locality occurences for the mineral.
|
 |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
