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, so Metastibnite leaves red, Realgar leaves orange-red; luster reads dull on Metastibnite and resinous on Realgar.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so 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, 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.
