Cervantite  (inclusions in Quartz)
Current inventory:  0 gems
 

  
Cervantite is named for the supposed original occurrence at Cervantes, Spain, type material from which is not available.

Discovered in 1850;   IMA status: Valid (pre-IMA; Grandfathered)

Chemistry

Chemical Formula:

Sb³⁺Sb⁵⁺O₄

Antimony Oxide

Molecular Weight:

521.21 gm

Composition:

Antimony

79.19 %

Sb

47.40 %

Sb₂O₃  /  52.60 %  Sb₂O₅

Oxygen

20.81 %

O

100.00 %

100.00 %

= TOTAL OXIDE

Classification

Mineral Classification:

Oxides

Strunz 8th Ed. ID:

4/D.25-10

Nickel-Strunz 10th Ed. ID:

4.DE.30

4 : OXIDES (Hydroxides, V[5,6] vanadates, arsenites, antimonites, bismuthites, sulfites, selenites, tellurites, iodates)
D : Metal: Oxygen = 1:2 and similar
E : With medium-sized cations; with various polyhedra

Related to:

Cervantite - Chiluite Series. Dimorph of Clinocervantite.

Varieties:

None

Synonyms:

Antimonial Ochre, Antimonous Acid

Crystal Data

Crystallography:

Orthorhombic - Pyramidal

Crystal Habit:

Minute acicular crystals, massive.

Twinning:

None observed.

Physical Properties

Cleavage:

Perfect on {001}, Distinct on {100}

Fracture:

Conchoidal

Tenacity:

Brittle

Moh's Hardness:

4.0 - 5.0

Density:

6.50 - 6.64 (g/cm³)

Luminescence:

None

Radioactivity:

Not Radioactive

Optical Properties

Color:

Yellow, off-White, Reddish-White; Colorless in transmitted light

Transparency:

Semi-Translucent

Luster:

Greasy, Pearly; Earthy when powdery

Refractive Index:

2.000 - 2.100  Biaxial ( ? )

Birefringence:

0.100

Dispersion:

Relatively Weak

Pleochroism:

None

Occurances

Geological Setting:

A secondary mineral formed from the oxidation of stibnite.

Common Associations:

Stibnite

Common Impurities:

None

Type Locality:

Cervantes, Sierra de Ancares, Lugo, Galicia, Spain

Year Discovered:

1850

View mineral photos:

Cervantite Mineral Photos and Locations

More Information

Mindat.org
Webmineral.com

Cervantite is a rare oxide mineral that is formed from the oxidation of Stibnite. It is usually found as minute acicular crystal clusters or massive material but rarely as fine needle inclusions in Quartz. These inclusions in Quartz make for beautiful gems showing bright yellow needles.

Cervantite is found in several locations worldwide but the main occurance of fine needle inclusions in Quartz is Minas Gerais, Brazil.
 

  
Cervantite gems for sale:

We have not photographed our Cervantite gems yet. Please check back soon.