Occurrence and Characteristics

Senarmontite is a rare mineral primarily found in association with antimony sulfide ores. It results from the alteration of stibnite and is typically found in the superficial oxidation zones of antimony deposits.
The mineral exhibits a resinous to adamantine luster, with color ranging from colorless to gray depending on purity. It commonly occurs in translucent octahedral crystals and white-gray masses.

Chemical Composition

Senarmontite, also known as Antimony trioxide (Sb鈧侽鈧?), is an inorganic compound. It is found in nature as the minerals valentinite and senarmontite. The formula Sb鈧侽鈧? describes its chemical composition.

Applications

Senarmontite is used as a flame-proofing agent in various applications. It is utilized in pigments, ceramics, and as a stain for iron and copper.
Senarmontite is also employed to decolorize glass.
In consumer products, it is added to flame retardants to enhance their effectiveness. These products include upholstered furniture, textiles, carpeting, plastics, children's products, ovenproof or microwavable plastic trays, and plastic water bottles.

Usage Statistics

In the European Union in 2005, Senarmontite (Sb鈧侽鈧?) was utilized for various purposes:
Flame-retardant in plastics (38%)
PVC (36%)
Rubber (9%)
Textiles (7%)
Catalyst in polyethylene terephthalate production (4%)
Additive in glass manufacture (1%)
Pigments in paint and ceramics (5%)

Safety Profile

Confirmed carcinogen withexperimental carcinogenic and neoplastigenic data. Poisonby intravenous and subcutaneous routes. Moderately toxicby other routes. An experimental teratogen. Otherexperimental reproductive effects. Mutation data reported. When