Antimonybearing

Antimonybearing is a term used in mineralogy and economic geology to describe minerals, rocks, or ore composites that contain antimony (Sb) as a major or notable constituent. It is a descriptive designation rather than a formal mineral name, applied when Sb is a defining component of a phase or when Sb-rich minerals occur within an assemblage.

The principal antimony-bearing mineral is stibnite (Sb2S3), the most important source of the element. Other antimony-bearing minerals occur as sulfides and oxides, including sulfosalts such as tetrahedrite (Cu12Sb4S13) and related species. Oxide forms include valentinite and senarmontite, both Sb2O3 polymorphs. In some hydrothermal systems Sb may occur in solid solution with other metals in complex sulfide minerals.

Antimony-bearing deposits form predominantly in hydrothermal environments associated with igneous activity. They typically occur in quartz-rich veins and a range of replacement bodies, often with gangue minerals such as quartz, calcite, and barite, and with sulfides like pyrite, galena, and chalcopyrite. Regions with historic or current antimony production include parts of China, Russia, Bolivia, and central Europe.

Ore processing involves concentration by flotation or gravity, roasting to convert sulfides to oxides, and smelting to refine antimony metal. Because Sb minerals can be accompanied by toxic elements such as arsenic, processing requires careful handling, ventilation, and environmental controls to limit emissions and contamination.