Oxystibiomicrolite is a rare antimony calcium tantalum oxide, typically greenish white to white. It was approved as a distinct mineral species in 1938. It was first described from Varuträsk pegmatite, 15 km northwest of Skellefteå, Västerbotten, Sweden.

Hardness

5-5.5

Mohs

Luster

Resinous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrarePyrochlore Supergroup family

Oxystibiomicrolite

Hardness: 5-5.5
Luster: Resinous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this oxystibiomicrolite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch oxystibiomicrolite with a known reference. Oxystibiomicrolite sits at Mohs 5-5.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Oxystibiomicrolite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Oxystibiomicrolite typically shows a resinous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: greenish white, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: octahedral crystals.

Often confused with

Oxystibiomicrolite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Stibiconite

Mohs 5-5.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Oxystibiomicrolite leaves white, Stibiconite leaves light yellow; luster reads resinous on Oxystibiomicrolite and pearly to earthy on Stibiconite.

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Often found alongside oxystibiomicrolite

Minerals reported to co-occur with oxystibiomicrolite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: (Sb³⁺,Ca)₂Ta₂O₆O
Mohs hardness: 5-5.5
Density: 5.84-6.22 g/cm³
Colors: Greenish White White
Streak: White
Luster: Resinous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Octahedral Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Granite Pegmatites

Where rockhounds find oxystibiomicrolite

Classic worldwide localities

Varuträsk pegmatite, Västerbotten, Sweden

Field-hunting tip

Look in granite pegmatites country, the host setting where oxystibiomicrolite typically forms. If you start seeing stibnite, quartz, bismutite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a octahedral crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify oxystibiomicrolite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-5.5. It typically shows a resinous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include greenish white, white.

Where is oxystibiomicrolite found?+

Notable localities include Varuträsk pegmatite, Västerbotten, Sweden.

Is oxystibiomicrolite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains antimony, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid creating dust when breaking specimens. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like oxystibiomicrolite?+

Oxystibiomicrolite is most often confused with Stibiconite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with oxystibiomicrolite?+

Oxystibiomicrolite commonly co-occurs with Stibnite, Quartz, Bismutite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does oxystibiomicrolite form in?+

Oxystibiomicrolite typically forms in granite pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is oxystibiomicrolite used for?+

Oxystibiomicrolite is used in collector.

Find oxystibiomicrolite on the map

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