Class : Sulfides and sulfosalts
    Subclass : Sulfides
    Crystal System : Orthorhombic
    Chemistry : Bi₂S₃
    Rarity : Common

Bismuthinite is an accessory mineral of high temperature hydrothermal mineralization associated with granitoid intrusions, notably tin and tungsten deposits, which are also found in pegmatites (Madagascar), auriferous veins (Salsigne, France), and fluorite - siderite veins. It frequently accompanies native bismuth, arsenopyrite, cassiterite and wolframite. Its name derives from its chemical composition : bismuth. It is quite rarely presented in squat prismatic crystals with finely striated needles, reminiscent of the stibnite. Bismuthinite usually occurs as lamellar aggregates, cleavable foliated, fibrous or grainy masses, also similar to stibnite. It is a lead-gray to pewter-white mineral, often dull yellow or iridescent on the surface, which readily changes to bismutite on outcrops. It is a bismuth ore, often recovered as a by-product of gold or tin.

Main photo : Bismuthinite from Tazna Mine, Potosi, Bolivia © Fabre Minerals

No twin known for this mineral species.

No fake identify for this mineral species.