Alabandite
A variety of Minerals
What is Alabandite?
Alabandite or alabandine is a rarely occurring manganese sulfide mineral. It crystallizes in the cubic crystal system with the chemical composition MnS and develops commonly massive to granular aggregates, but rarely also cubic or octahedral crystals to 1 cm.
Etymology & Origins
Alabandite was first described in 1784 by Franz-Joseph Müller von Reichenstein. The mineral name is derived from its supposed discovery locality at Alabanda (Aïdin) in Turkey.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Alabandite before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Alabandite Localities Map
See where Alabandite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Formation of Alabandite
Alabandite forms in epithermal polymetallic sulfide veins and low-temperature manganese deposits. It occurs with acanthite, calcite, chalcopyrite, galena, pyrite, quartz, rhodochrosite, rhodonite, sphalerite and native tellurium. Sometimes it was found in meteorites. Localities are several areas in Antarctica, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Greenland, India, Italy, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tanzania, the United Kingdom, the US, Uzbekistan and Yemen. All together at present time approximately 220 discovery sites are registered.
Composition of Alabandite
Alabandite crystallizes in the cubic crystal system in the space group Fm3m with the lattice parameter a = 5.22 Å and four formula units per unit cell.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Iron black, brown, greyish black, green; dull brown (tarnished)
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 3.5 - 4
- Density
- 4.053 g/cm³
- Streak
- dark green, brown
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- MnS
- Elements
- Mn, S
Also Known As
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Alabandite FAQs
How do I identify Alabandite?
Alabandite can be identified by its hardness of 3.5 - 4 on the Mohs scale, Iron black color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Alabandite?
Alabandite typically appears in Iron black, brown, greyish black, green; dull brown (tarnished). Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Alabandite?
Alabandite has a hardness of 3.5 - 4 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.
What is the formation of alabandite of Alabandite?
Alabandite forms in epithermal polymetallic sulfide veins and low-temperature manganese deposits. It occurs with acanthite, calcite, chalcopyrite, galena, pyrite, quartz, rhodochrosite, rhodonite, sphalerite and native tellurium. Sometimes it was found in meteorites. Localities are several areas in Antarctica, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Greenland, India, Italy, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tanzania, the United Kingdom, the US, Uzbekistan and Yemen. All together at present time approximately 220 discovery sites are registered.
What is the composition of alabandite of Alabandite?
Alabandite crystallizes in the cubic crystal system in the space group Fm3m with the lattice parameter a = 5.22 Å and four formula units per unit cell.
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