Stibnite Blades with Dolomite · 68 g

Description

A broad cluster of intergrown metallic Stibnite blades, with bright silver-grey reflections across its dark steel-coloured surface. The blades cross in several directions, with small pale areas of the supplied Dolomite association nestled between them.

The open spaces between the blades give this compact specimen depth. Fine lengthwise grooves catch the light, while the pale associated mineral adds a subtle contrast.

It is displayed upright on the clear bevelled glass base shown, which is included in the price.

The associated mineral is recorded as Dolomite in the supplied specimen information. This piece comes from my older batch of Stibnite from Qinglong Mine, Guizhou, China.

You will receive the exact specimen and glass base photographed. Colour may vary with lighting and screen settings.

The crossing arrangement described above is an important part of the specimen’s silhouette. It lets the direction of individual crystals be followed through the group, with open spaces making their outlines more apparent. Intersecting crystals alone do not establish a specific twin law; here the description concerns the visible arrangement rather than a laboratory-confirmed crystallographic relationship.

The recorded Dolomite adds a carbonate association to the specimen. Its contrasting surface character helps separate the featured growth from the material around it. This relationship gives the piece another point of interest beyond the principal crystals: it can be appreciated both for the main mineral’s habit and for the way the minerals are arranged together.

Stibnite is antimony sulphide, a metallic mineral often associated with elongated crystals. It forms in hydrothermal veins, where mineral-bearing fluids deposit material as conditions change. Its lead-grey to silver-grey appearance and long crystal habit make it quite different in character from the compact shapes of many other metallic minerals.

Collectors value the arrangement of the blades as much as their shine. Parallel growth, crossing crystals and radiating groups create different silhouettes, while lengthwise surface detail can emphasise the direction of growth. Stibnite is relatively soft and its projecting crystals deserve careful handling. Support the stable part of the specimen when moving it rather than lifting it by a blade.

The recorded origin is Qinglong Mine, Guizhou, China. The locality and mineral associations follow the information supplied with this specimen. Its individual growth and matrix provide the visual details described here.

The specimen measures 65 × 45 × 30 mm, with a recorded weight of 68 g. The proportions give a useful guide to its place in a display, with the individual crystal arrangement and mineral association remaining the principal points of interest.

Support the stable part of the specimen rather than an elongated blade. Stibnite is relatively soft, and projecting metallic growth can be damaged by pressure. A secure display lets the blade arrangement and surface detail be appreciated with minimal handling.