This article is about Kermesite, the mineral. For other references, see Kermes (disambiguation).
Kermesite
General
Category
Oxysulfide
Formula (repeating unit)
(Sb2S2O)
IMA symbol
Kem[1]
Strunz classification
2.FD.05
Dana classification
02.13.01.01
Crystal system
Triclinic
Crystal class
Pinacoidal (1) (same H-M symbol)
Space group
P1
Identification
Color
Red to cherry red, purple
Crystal habit
Acicular, fibrous, radial
Cleavage
Perfect {100}, parting on {010}
Fracture
Brittle
Tenacity
Sectile
Mohs scale hardness
1–2
Luster
Adamantine to semimetallic
Streak
Brownish red
Diaphaneity
Translucent, Opaque
Specific gravity
4.5–4.8+
Optical properties
Biaxial (+)
Refractive index
nα = 2.720 nβ = 2.740 nγ = 2.740
Pleochroism
None
References
[2][3][4]
Kermesite or antimony oxysulfide is also known as red antimony or purpur blende (Sb2S2O) . The mineral's color ranges from cherry red to a dark red to a black. Kermesite is the result of partial oxidation between stibnite (Sb2S3) and other antimony oxides such as valentinite (Sb2O3) or stibiconite (Sb3O6(OH)). Under certain conditions with oxygenated fluids the transformation of all sulfur to oxygen would occur but kermesite occurs when that transformation is halted.
Kermesite or antimony oxysulfide is also known as red antimony or purpur blende (Sb2S2O) . The mineral's color ranges from cherry red to a dark red to...
Classic wine-red kermesite crystals, up to 2.3 cm (0.91 in). long, on calcite-covered massive sulfide matrix. The Pezinok antimony deposits are known...
insects traditionally fed Alchermes, a confectionery remedy coloured red Kermesite, the mineral antimony oxysulfide (Sb2S2O), also known as red antimony...
occurs associated with stibnite, native antimony, stibiconite, cervantite, kermesite and tetrahedrite. A rich deposit of valentinite has been found in the...
emerald, sapphire and diamond. The Specter Sisters are named after minerals kermesite, berthierite, petzite and calaverite. The Boule Brothers do not follow...
such as stibnite. It occurs in association with cervantite, valentinite, kermesite, native antimony and stibnite. Warr, L.N. (2021). "IMA–CNMNC approved...
ore, has its palmy days over now. Other mineral found at the mine are Kermesite, Magnetite, Quartz and Stibnite. It is located a few hundred metres from...
associated minerals are stibnite, quartz, calcite, pyrite, valentinite, kermesite, sulfur, and gypsum. Peretaite can often be red from the inclusion of...
include the rare, but famous Zambia broken hill lean/zinc minerals and kermesite specimens. The geology collections are housed in the Mennell Gallery,...
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