Stibnite with Quartz

specimen number:
2072277

location:
Yaogangxian Mine, Hunan, China

description:
Small metallic needles of stibnite crystals are scattered throughout this crystallized cluster of white quartz. Stibnite is quite unusual for this locality. In good condition.

The Yaogangxian Mine, located in the Yizhang County of Hunan Province, China, is a world-class tungsten deposit situated within a complex hydrothermal vein system. Geologically, the site is characterized by the interaction between a Mesozoic granite intrusion and surrounding Devonian sedimentary rocks, resulting in extensive quartz-vein mineralization rich in wolframite, fluorite, and various sulfides. While the mine is primarily famous for its large tungsten output and aesthetic silicate associations, it also produces notable specimens of stibnite, which often manifest as delicate, small metallic needles or acicular sprays perched on quartz or fluorite matrices. Historically, mining in the Yaogangxian district dates back to 1914, making it one of the earliest tungsten-producing regions in China. Large-scale industrial quarrying and underground operations expanded significantly throughout the 20th century under state-run enterprises and continue into the present day. The mine remains a prolific source for both industrial metals and museum-quality mineral specimens, with its fine, needle-like stibnite crystals being particularly prized by collectors for their brilliant metallic luster and intricate crystalline habits.

Questions about this specimen?
Send an email or call us: 314-341-1811.