Where is Native Antimony found?
Antimony (Sb)
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Open the appNative Antimony occurs in specific geological environments. Knowing where to look, and in what kind of rock, is the difference between going home empty-handed and finding a great specimen.
Where to find Native Antimony
Wolfsberg, Harz, Germany
Historically significant locality for well-formed native antimony crystals.
Sala, Västmanland, Sweden
Known for native antimony occurrences in silver-lead-zinc deposits.
Lengenbach, Binn Valley, Valais, Switzerland
Found in polymetallic sulfide deposits.
New Brunswick, Canada
Occurrences reported in various polymetallic vein deposits.
Japan
Several localities, including Ichinokawa, Shikoku, known for stibnite, where native antimony can also occur.
Collecting tips
- Associated Minerals. Look for native antimony in areas known for stibnite (antimony sulfide), arsenopyrite, sphalerite, galena, and gold-silver mineralization in quartz veins.
- Hydrothermal Veins. Focus on low-temperature hydrothermal vein systems, particularly those cutting through metamorphic or igneous rocks.
- Color and Luster. Its distinctive tin-white to steel-gray color and metallic luster, even when tarnished, are key identifiers. Freshly broken surfaces will show the bright metallic sheen.
- Brittleness. Test its brittleness; it will easily break or crumble, unlike malleable native metals.
- Safety Precautions. Antimony and its compounds are toxic. Avoid inhaling dust when handling, especially when breaking samples. Always wash hands thoroughly after handling. Do not ingest. Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and eye protection, especially when collecting or preparing specimens.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Tin-white to steel-gray
- Luster:
- Metallic
- Streak:
- Gray to black
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