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Intergrown Bismuthinite Crystals
SULFIDES; SIMPLE SULFIDES · ORTHORHOMBIC

Bismuthinite

Bi2S3

Hardness
2
Streak
Gray
Spec. Gravity
6.8
System
Orthorhombic

About

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.

Crystal Forms & Aggregates

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.

Striking Features

High density, low hardness, and crystal habit

Environment

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.

Common Mineral Associations

Distinguishing Similar Minerals

Photos

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Crystal forms

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Thick Orthorhombic
Elongated Prismatic
Complex Thick Orthorhombic