Stibiconite

For other uses, see Antimony ochre.

For other uses, see Stiblite.

Stibiconite, also formerly known as stiblite^[5]: 372 or antimony ochre^[6]: 118 is an antimony oxide mineral with formula: Sb₃O₆(OH). Its name originates from Greek stíbi (στίβι), 'antimony' and kónis (κόνις), 'powder', alluding to its composition and habit.^[2][3][4] It is a member of the pyrochlore super group.

Stibiconite
Stibiconite. From Catorce, San Luis Potosí, Mexico
General
Category	Oxide minerals
Formula	Sb3+Sb5+2O6(OH)
IMA symbol	Sbc[1]
Strunz classification	4.DH.20
Crystal system	Isometric
Crystal class	Hexoctahedral (m3m) H-M symbol: (4/m 3 2/m)
Space group	Fd3m
Unit cell	a = 10.27 Å; Z = 8
Identification
Formula mass	478.25 g/mol
Color	Pale yellow to yellowish white, reddish white, orange; gray, brown, black when impure
Crystal habit	Massive, botryoidal, as incrustations, powdery
Cleavage	None
Fracture	Uneven
Mohs scale hardness	4–5
Luster	Vitreous to dull
Streak	light yellow
Diaphaneity	Transparent to translucent
Specific gravity	4.1 – 5.8, Average = 4.94
Optical properties	Isotropic
Refractive index	n = 1.6–1.97
References	[2][3][4]

Discovery and occurrence

It was first described in 1862 for an occurrence in the Brandholz – Goldkronach District, Fichtel Mountains, Bavaria, Germany.^[3]

It occurs as a secondary alteration product of other hydrothermal antimony minerals such as stibnite. It occurs in association with cervantite, valentinite, kermesite, native antimony and stibnite.^[4]