Secondary antimony minerals: Phases that control the dispersion of antimony in the supergene zone

Abstract

Secondary antimony minerals play an important role in buffering the dispersion of the element in oxidizing environments, particularly in the supergene zones of Sb-rich ores, mine wastes and other situations where appreciable amounts of Sb are present. The secondary mineralogy of Sb is reviewed and important species highlighted. Attention is drawn to species that require further characterisation. In addition, a summary of reliable solubility data is provided for species for which it is available, pointing towards areas that require further research with respect to the mobility of Sb in the natural environment.