Valentinite

Formula: Sb2O3

Origin of name: for B. Valentinus, German alchemist (16th century)

 

Crystal system: Orthorhombic

Crystal class: 2/m 2/m 2/m

Twinning:

Unit cell: a = 4.914 Å, b = 12.47 Å, c = 5.421 Å

 

Colour: Colourless, white, grayish, yellowish, brownish, reddish

Diaphaneity: Transparent to translucent

Luster: Adamantine, pearly on cleavage

Habit: Crystals prismatic or tabular, prisms rounded and striated, in aggregates, massive, granular, columnar or lamellar

Hardness: 2.5 to 3

Specific gravity: 5.6-5.8

Cleavage: 2; {110} perfect, {010} distinct

Tenacity: Brittle, uneven fracture

Streak: White

 

Synonyms/varieties: Exitéle, antimony bloom

 

Comments: dimorphous with senarmonite

 

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