Antimonite - description, magical and healing properties, who suits the zodiac

Ornamental

Antimonite is often called antimony. From the point of view of professionals, this is not true, since antimony is only the main component of the antimonite from which it is produced. Another common name for the stone is stibnite. And also - antimony shine. In addition to antimony, particles of other chemical elements are found in the mineral: arsenic, iron, copper, bismuth. Even gold and silver. However, antimonite rocks are a resource for obtaining primarily antimony.

Origin

The mineral is formed in the earth's crust as a result of hydrothermal processes at ultra-low temperatures and high pressure. Along with it, quartz, cinnabar, chalcedony, calcite, barite, fluorite, pyrite are found. Sometimes the gem is found in deposits of lead and zinc.

As a rule, it "combines" with quartz, forming veins and layers. When oxidized, it can turn into ocher with a high content of antimony. Under certain conditions, it changes into kermezite or forms sulfur, cinnabar, senarmontite. The reaction of sibit and sulfur under high pressure will lead to the appearance of antimonite.

History of the mineral

The name comes from the Latin antimonium - antimony.

The history of the mineral is rich:

  • In ancient Egypt, they were treated for eye ailments, and the ladies "antimony" eyebrows and eyelashes.
  • Medieval alchemists led by Basil Valentine tried to extract gold from the shiny ore.
  • At the end of the 18th century, the chemist Lavoisier added the term antimonium to the mineralogical register.
  • The Frenchman Francois Bedan was the first to describe its properties in detail, but he suggested calling it stibine (1832). However, after 13 years, the mineral again became antimonite.

The term "antimonite" has enriched philology. The expression “to breed antimony” means long rantings: eyebrow antimony was rubbed with oil for hours. According to another version, medieval monks spared no time to discuss the possibilities of antimonite.

The French term means "against the monks". The abbot of one of the monasteries noticed that the pigs from the “subsidiary farm” quickly grew fat on the ore powder. And he decided to “feed” the emaciated brethren. However, its use has become fatal to humans.

Place of Birth

Industrial deposits are being developed in several countries: China, Czech Republic, Romania, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, Thailand, Australia, South Africa, Bolivia, Mexico. In Russia - in Yakutia; near Krasnoyarsk. Deposits are found in sandstone rocks, clayey and metamorphic shales.

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The veins stretch for tens of kilometers in width, up to 1000 meters deep. In addition to antimonite-quartz veins and deposits, antimony-mercury deposits are possible. The smallness of antimonite is found in gold-bearing and lead-zinc mines.

The most beautiful crystals and aggregates are found in Kyrgyzstan. In Soviet times, the extraction of antimony there was in the first place. More recently, gem crystals of the highest standard entered the market from Japan. Now the field on the island of Shikoku has been depleted.

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Alchemists started talking about antimonite in the Middle Ages. As about metal, the German Vasily Valentin wrote about Antimonium in 1604. At the end of the XVIII century, the famous Lavoisier included Antimoine in the table of chemical elements. The first detailed description of the stone under the name "stibin" was made in 1832 by the French mineralogist F. Bedan. The mineral was returned to its original name in 1845.

Antimonite crystals are elongated, prism-shaped or columnar with vertical streaks; well-faceted drusen are found. They can form fan-like aggregates, or granular and fibrous aggregates. They are distinguished by excellent cleavage in length, flexibility, and opacity.

exhibit

The elementary cells are orthorhombic. The fracture is conchoidal. The color is gray, shades from steel to dark lead, metallic luster, bluish tint. When heated, they change color (property of variegated tarnish).

Property Description
Formula Sb2S3
Hardness 2 - 2,5
Impurities As, Bi, Pb, Fe, Cu, Au, Ag
Density 4,5 - 4,6 g / cm³
Syngonia orthorhombic
Kink Crustaceous
Cleavage Very perfect {010}
Brilliance Metal
Transparency Opaque
Color Lead gray

Chemical main composition:

  • 71,38% Sb
  • 28,62% S

It melts over a weak fire, it is capable of striking a spark when struck (it is part of the sulfur head of matches). Let's dissolve in hydrochloric acid, after decomposition forms hydrogen sulfide.

Does not conduct electricity. Shows dielectric and diamagnetic qualities. Increases electrical resistance when heated.

It is interesting! In the literature, the opinion is expressed that the name "antimonite" comes from the Greek name for the flower "antemon", similar to the radially radiant compounds of antimony crystals. Another option: the name of the stone was given by the old name of antimony - “antimony kinglet”. In the XNUMXth century, antimony was given the name antimony.

Applications

  • Antimonite ores are primarily used as a source of antimony. The latter is a component of alloys with antifriction properties, which are used to manufacture bearings.
  • Antimony alloys with zinc, tin, and lead are common. Additives increase hardness. Alloys are used in "printing metal" for the manufacture of type, in electronics, the paint industry, and in the manufacture of small arms.
  • Also for the vulcanization of rubber, the impregnation of fabrics in the textile industry, the manufacture of glass, ceramics. Alloys are indispensable in the manufacture of batteries, windings of power cables.
  • Historical data testify that in ancient times, vessels were made from antimonite. The second massive use was cosmetics, namely the manufacture of eyebrow paint and eyeliner. In cosmetics, antimony is in demand today. So, modern eyeliners contain, among others, this substance.

It is interesting! So that antimony could be applied to the skin, it was thoroughly and long stirred with the addition of oil. The expression “to breed antimony” over time became winged and means to chat about something insignificant, to distract from a serious conversation with trifles, or to be condescending where it is irrational.

Other sources connect speech circulation with the activities of medieval alchemists, who argued for a long time about the healing properties of antimonite.

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Philologists will say that phraseologism has been transformed over the centuries from the correct “antinomy” (an insoluble contradiction) into “antimony”, which caused an erroneous interpretation.

In jewelry, antimonite is not in demand because of its fragility, its processing is impossible. Therefore, jewelry with a stone is rare, only amulets are made. You won’t have to learn to distinguish a real stone from a fake, because there are no imitations.

Samples of antimonite should be protected so that the crystals do not exfoliate and collapse. It must be remembered that antimony is a toxic substance (recall the poisoned monks), therefore, when dealing with antimonite, care should be taken.

crystal

Samples have a different value, depending on the quality, size, location of the find. So, Chinese antimonite crystals can cost both 1.2 euros and 40 euros; Romanian - from 2 to 30 euros; super shiny or especially needle-shaped American ones will cost 200 euros. A ball-amulet with a diameter of 6 cm can be bought at a price of 50 euros.

Medicinal properties

Already in ancient Egypt antimonite was perceived as a healing stone. They were treated with eye ailments, in particular, they stopped lacrimation, used as a prophylactic against smallpox eye damage. It was noticed that it improved the growth of eyelashes. Used as a powder for the treatment of burns. Stopped nose and uterine bleeding.

Traditional medicine believes that the gem:

  • cleanses the skin, relieves acne;
  • strengthens the nerves;
  • cures conjunctivitis;
  • restores strength;
  • relieves arthritis pain.

In modern official medicine is not used.

Magical properties

The value for a person in full power is shown by the magic stone Antimonite. Psychics note the strong energy of the mineral. It is believed that the gem sharpens the senses, greatly enhances intuition.

stone

The unique compatibility of the mineral with sodalite is surprising in terms of enhancing the magical abilities of both minerals. The latter is positioned in magic as developing supernatural abilities in a person.

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Antimonite is a stone of spiritual self-improvement. The gem contributes to the achievement of good goals, the growth of wealth and power. It helps to make the right decisions in non-standard situations, to harmonize relations with the outside world, to understand one's purpose.

The stone gives magical abilities to people with a strong character, honest, selfless. Selfish, deceitful can seriously harm. Too susceptible, susceptible to outside influence, romantic natures should avoid antimonite.

It is interesting! From French antimoine is translated as: "against the monks." The legend says that in the XNUMXth century, the abbot of the monastery, hoping to “tighten up the physical form” of the monks, decided to add antimony to their food, because, according to his observations, it was from the antimony powder that the monastery pigs got fat. However, the monks turned out to be not so hardy and, after tasting the dietary supplement, they died. The legend was used by the Czech writer Jaroslav Hasek, who wrote a story based on the plot.

Who suits the signs of the zodiac

("+++" - the stone fits perfectly, "+" - can be worn, "-" - absolutely contraindicated):

Zodiac sign Compatibility
Aries +
Taurus +
Gemini +
Cancer
a lion +
Virgo +
Scales
Scorpio +
Sagittarius +
Capricorn +
Aquarius +
Pisces

Experts have long studied the astrological properties of antimonite and came to the conclusion that an amulet made from an ancient mineral will suit most zodiac representatives. The exceptions are Pisces, Crayfish and Libra. It is noted that with prolonged contact with the stone, their positive qualities can be transformed into negative ones. Antimonite acts only positively on other signs of the zodiac.

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