# Antimony > [!material-gem] Material Details > | | | > |---|---| > | **Aliases/Varieties** | Stibnite. Kohl. | > | **Category** | Gemstone | > | **Color(s)** | Silvery gray, lustrous | > | **Cost** | —— | > | **Environment/Habitat** | —— | > | **Profession(s)** | [[Alchemist]], [[Jewelcrafter]], [[Tinkerer]] | > | **Qualities** | - Alchemical<br>- Healing<br>- Protective | > | **Rarity** | —— | > | **Size** | —— | > | **Weight** | —— | > [!material-gem] Specifications > | | | > |---|---| > | **Crystal System** | Rhombohedral | > | **Formations** | Usually in mineral stibnite (Sb2S3) | > | **Formula** | Sb | > | **Hardness** | 3.0 (Mohs) | > | **Mineral Class** | Elemental metalloid | > | **Primary Components** | antimony | > | **Refractive Index** | —— | --- ## Description A silvery metalloid, usually in the form of needle-like stibnite crystals. It resonates with the energy of the Sun, protecting from its wrath and dousing fires. ### Physical Description A chemical element usually occuring as a lustrous, silvery metalloid found in stibnite: long, dense, needle-like crystal structures which turn from gray to black due to oxidization in air. Soft and brittle, pure metallic antimony has little use on its own, but it transforms and improves other materials in alloys. It is resistant to acid and has strong fire retarding properties. --- ## Occurrence Antimony is not abundant, especially in its native, pure form, but it can be found in over 100 mineral species—most notably in the sulfide mineral stibnite. Large deposits are rare, but small ones often accompany hydrothermal deposits of cinnabar, pyrite, calcite, and chalcedony. ### Extraction & Preparation The extraction method depends on the composition of the ore. Most effective is leaching with alkalines or acids combined with iron powder, but smelting and roasting are prevalent commercially due to lower costs. Arsenic and sulphur are the main impurities removed in the process. --- ## Properties ### Decorative Properties Powdered antimony is a common ingredient of kohl, a cosmetic used to darken the eyelids and eyelashes. Sometimes, kohl is used as an eye ward, as a form of protection from the sun and the evil eye, and as a face paint. ### Industrial Properties Most antimony is used in flame retardants and fireproofing items like fabrics, toys, and machinery. It creates a strong alloy with lead, increasing its hardness and mechanical strength in bullet casings, batteries, and solder. In the form of stibnite, it is use in pyrotechnics, for glittery effects, and in flash powders. ### Magical Properties Antimony is closely connected to the energy of the Sun and the elemental fire. It provides protection from sunlight, especially applied in the form of kohl, and douses the flames. Being both fire- and acid-resistant, antimony finds a plethora of uses in alchemy. Many alchemists use tools made of antimony alloys to protect their workshops from random fires and their creations from heat damage. While antimony in bulk is not combustible, as a powder dispersed in air, it can be explosive. The element is also known as the Wolf of Alchemy—a wild, hungry, devouring force driving the transformative processes of magic and alchemy. Antimony is the starting point for many transmuting alchemical processes, like changing base materials into precious metals and gems or affecting the transformation of shapeshifters. In magical practice, antimony represents the animalistic side of human psyche. It bestows determination and motivation, strengthens the survival instinct and sensory acuity, and consequently, increases the chances of success in many endeavors. Worn or carried, antimony encourages advancement and personal development, delivering energy needed to reach for lofty goals and achievements. At the same time, it extends protection against one's enemies and random misfortunes, and enhances the power of other magical precautions.