The word "Cervantite" is spelled with a hard "c" sound and a silent "e" at the end. It is pronounced with the IPA transcription /sɛrˈvæntaɪt/. The first two syllables are stressed, and the vowel sound in the second syllable is similar to the "ai" sound in "rain". Cervantite is a mineral that is yellow in color and is composed of lead, sulfur, and antimony. It was named for Spanish author Miguel de Cervantes, who is best known for writing Don Quixote.
Cervantite is a mineral that belongs to the oxide class and is typically found as a secondary mineral in lead or silver deposits. Its chemical composition is generally represented as Sb3+Sb5+ O 4, indicating the presence of antimony in both trivalent and pentavalent oxidation states along with oxygen. It was named after the Spanish author Miguel de Cervantes, as a tribute to his literary contributions.
Visually, cervantite occurs as distinct prismatic or acicular crystals that exhibit a yellow, orange, or brown color. It can also display a reddish or grayish tinge. The mineral possesses a high luster and is translucent to nearly opaque. With a hardness of 2.5 to 3 on the Mohs scale, it is quite soft and can be easily scratched.
Cervantite is primarily formed through the oxidation of other antimony-bearing minerals in hydrothermal veins. It commonly occurs alongside other minerals such as stibnite, arsenopyrite, pyrite, and calcite.
This mineral has limited use in industry and is mainly valued for its aesthetic properties. Collectors and mineral enthusiasts appreciate cervantite for its unique crystal habit and color variations. Due to its relatively uncommon occurrence, specimens of this mineral are sought after for display in personal collections or museums.
In summary, cervantite is a mineral composed of antimony and oxygen that forms as a secondary deposit in specific geological environments. Its distinctive crystals and colors make it a prized mineral specimen among collectors.