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Alabandite Crystal Cluster
SULFIDES; SIMPLE SULFIDES · ISOMETRIC

Alabandite

MnS

Hardness
3.5–4
Streak
Dark green
Spec. Gravity
3.9–4.1
System
Isometric

About

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.

Crystal Forms & 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.

Striking Features

Crystal habits, color, and mode of occurence.

Environment

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

Distinguishing Similar Minerals

Photos

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