Stibnite, China

Wuning Mine, Qingjiang 

Wuning County, Jiujiang Prefecture

Jiangxi Province, China

Each bladed crystal is splendent and beautifully striated, each with a brilliant, metallic luster. 

Dioscorides, the Roman naturalist and the father of pharmacy, refers to stibnite as πλατυόφθαλμον (platyophtalmon) meaning ‘that enlarges the eye’ or στίμμις (stimmis) which refers to antimony black. It was used as an eyeshadow or kohl by ancient civilizations as early as 3,100 BCE to enhance the eyes. Also known for its medical properties, it is described by Pliny the Elder in his treatise Natural History as a treatment for eye infections.