Metastibnite is an amorphous, red modification of stibnite typically found as earthy crusts or coatings in hot spring environments. It is a rare, metastable mineral that often alters back to common grey stibnite over time. Collectors prize it primarily for its distinct red coloration compared to typical stibnite.
Is this metastibnite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch metastibnite with a known reference. Metastibnite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Metastibnite leaves a red streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Metastibnite typically shows a dull luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: red, reddish-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: amorphous. Typical habit: earthy coatings, crusts, massive.
Often confused with
Metastibnite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Metastibnite leaves red, Realgar leaves orange-red; luster reads dull on Metastibnite and resinous on Realgar.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Metastibnite leaves red, Cinnabar leaves scarlet; luster reads dull on Metastibnite and adamantine on Cinnabar.
Often found alongside metastibnite
Minerals reported to co-occur with metastibnite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Sb₂S₃
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 4.5-4.6 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Red
- Luster
- Dull
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Amorphous
- Crystal habit
- Earthy Coatings, Crusts, Massive
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Epithermal Hot Spring Deposits
- Typical price
- $20-150 thumbnail specimens
Where rockhounds find metastibnite
Classic worldwide localities
- Yellowstone National Park, USA
- Steamboat Springs, Nevada, USA
- Monte Amiata, Italy
Field-hunting tip
Look in epithermal hot spring deposits country — that is the host setting where metastibnite typically forms. If you start seeing stibnite, sulfur, cinnabar in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a earthy coatings, crusts, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify metastibnite?+
Where is metastibnite found?+
How much is metastibnite worth?+
Is metastibnite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like metastibnite?+
What minerals are found with metastibnite?+
What kind of rock does metastibnite form in?+
What is metastibnite used for?+
Find metastibnite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
