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Antimony Trisulfide (Stibnite, Antimonite)

Author: Hans Lohninger

Ref.: Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com
Antimony trisulfide, Sb2S3, is a sulfide mineral commonly called stibnite or antimonite. Antimony trisulfide exists as a gray/black crystalline solid (orthorombic crystals) and an amorphous red-orange powder. It turns black due to oxidation by air. Antimony trisulfide is the most important source for antimony. It is insoluble in water and melts at 550°C. The chemical symbol of antimony (Sb) is derived from stibnite.

Amorphous (red to yellow-orange) antimony trisulfide can be prepared by treating an antimony trichloride solution with hydrogen sulfide:

2 SbCl3 + 3 H2S Sb2S3 + 6 HCl

When melting antimony trisulfide with iron at approx. 600°C the following reaction yields elementary antimony:

Sb2S3 + 3 Fe Sb + 3 FeS

Sb2S3 is used as a pigment, in pyrotechnics (glitter and fountain mixtures) and on safety matches. In combination with antimony oxides it is also used as a yellow pigment in glass and porcelain. Antimony trisulfide photoconductors are used in vidicons for CCTV.



Home Inorganic Compounds Antimony Antimony Trisulfide

Last Update: 2011-05-26