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Alabandite Crystal Cluster

The Mineral alabandite




Alabandite is an uncommon sulfide with a fairly simple chemical formula. It was first described as a mineral species in 1784 by Franz-Joseph Müller von Reichenstein, an Austrian mineralogist and mining engineer. (Reichenstein is credited for discovering tellurium.) The name Alabandite is derived from the Alabanda Region of Ayden, Turkey. However, this region is not a known producer of this mineral.
Chemical Formula MnS
Composition Manganese sulfide
Color Dark brown, dark gray
Streak Dark green
Hardness 3.5 - 4
Crystal System Isometric
Crystal Forms
and Aggregates
In octahedral or cubic crystals, or in combinations of these crystals. Crystals usually form in clusters, although single crystals are also known, mainly octahedral. Twinning may occur. Also in arborescent growths. Commonly grainy or massive.
Transparency Opaque
Specific Gravity 3.9 - 4.1
Luster Submetallic to metallic
Cleavage 1,3
Fracture Uneven
Tenacity Brittle
In Group Sulfides; Simple Sulfides
Striking Features Crystal habits, color, and mode of occurence.
Environment Low-temperature epithermal sulfide veins in manganese deposits. Rarely a constituent of meteorites.
Rock Type Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic, Meteoric
Popularity (1-4) 3
Prevalence (1-3) 3
Demand (1-3) 2


Alabandite AUCTIONS




NOTEWORTHY LOCALITIES
The Uchucchacua Mine, Oyon Province, Peru is well-known for producing Alabandite in large octahedral crystals, as well as crystal clusters of cubic-octahedral combinations. Sharp octahedral crystals, often as floaters, have recently been discovered in the Merelani Hills, Arusha, Tanzania. In Australia, an interesting arborescent form of Alabandite was found in a one-time occurrence at Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia.

Small microcrystals of Alabandite have come from the Garpenberg Norra Mine, Hedemora, Dalarna, Sweden; and Alabandite with contrasting Rhodochrosite from Sacarîmb, Hunedoara Co., Romania. Massive Alabandite often associated with Rhodochrosite comes from Onavas, Sonora, Mexico.

COMMON MINERAL ASSOCIATIONS
Rhodochrosite, Calcite, Quartz, Pyrite, Diopside, Rhodonite

DISTINGUISHING SIMILAR MINERALS
Galena - Lower specific gravity.


alabandite PHOTOS
 
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
 
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