Antimony

Sb. At. wt. 120. Sp. gr. 6.7. Sp. ht. 0.05. Mpt. 430°C. Volatile at bright red heat. Occurs in metallic state and in combination with sulphur as stibnite and the metals, as ruby silver ore, gray copper ore, etc. Metal first extracted from its sulphide by Basil Valentine in 15th century. When heated to a dull redne , it ignites, forming the trioxide. It is soluble in aqua regia, hot concentrated sulphuric acid, and hydrochloric acid. It is oxidized by nitric acid to antimony trioxide or antimonic acid. It has acid and basic properties.