The crystal structure of a new mineral of the stibnite group, Sb
2Se
3, has been determined. The cell constants, obtained by least-squares calculation from direct θ-value’s measurements on the
diffractometer are: a=1.158 8(5),
b= 1.1744(4),
c = 0.395 5(2) nm; orthorhombic;
V = 0.538 23 nm
3; Z = 4. The space group is
Pbnm. X-ray single crystal data, using Mo
Kα radiation, were measured on a RIGAKU RASA-5RP automated diffractometer and refined to a final
R index of 0.048 1. Sb
2Se
3 is isostructural with Sb
2S
3 and Bi
2S
3. Each Sb(1) atom is six-coordinated by 3 Se(1), 1 Se(2) and 2 Se(3) atoms at distances 0.266 0–0.323 6 nm. Each Sb(2) atom
is seven-coordinated by 2 Se(1), 2 Se(2) and 3 Se(3) atoms at distances of 0.258 1–0.346 7 nm. The crystal structure consists
of chains parallel to
c or needle axis. The strongest bonds (shortest separations) are within the chains. Many important physical properties of antimonselite
(optical, ferroelectric, etc.) are related to its crystal structure.
Keywords new mineral - antimonselite - crystal structure