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The Mineral bismuthinite

Intergrown Bismuthinite Crystals

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

Color

Metallic gray to silver. May have a slightly yellow or iridescent tarnish.

Crystal System

Orthorhombic

Properties

Streak
Gray

Hardness
2

Transparency
Opaque

Specific Gravity
6.8

Luster
Metallic

Cleavage
1,1

Fracture
Uneven

Tenacity
Brittle. Also slightly flexible and sectile.

Crystal Habits

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.

3D Crystal Atlas

Additional Information

Composition
Bismuth sulfide

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

Uses

Bismuthinite is an important ore of the element bismuth.

Noteworthy Localities

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.