Abstract: First-principles theory are used to calculate the structural properties of the cervantite unite cell，the（001） surface and the adsorption of water molecules on the surface. The surface properties of the cervantite are analyzed by XPS and Zeta potential，and the relationship between the crystal structure，surface properties and flotability of cervantite are discussed. The results show that the activity of oxygen on the surface of cervantite is strong，while the activity of antimony is weak. Water molecules are strongly adsorbed on the surface of cervantite，resulting in the anion collector adsorbed on the surface of cervantite difficult，and it needs to be activated by metal ions. Cervantite is negatively charged in the range of pH> 2.4，thus cationic collector is easily adsorbed on the surface of cervantite through electrostatic action. In the single mineral flotation test，the activated cervantite by copper ion can be well collected by sodium oleate and the negative charged cervantite can also be well collected by dodecylamine ion. The genetic property of mineral surfaces have a good correspondence with mineral floatability.

Key words: Cervantite, Genetic Property, Crystal structure, Floatability, First-principle theory