Lorándite
A variety of Minerals
What is Lorándite?
Lorándite is a thallium arsenic sulfosalt with the chemical formula: TlAsS2. Though rare, it is the most common thallium-bearing mineral. Lorandite occurs in low-temperature hydrothermal associations and in gold and mercury ore deposits. Associated minerals include stibnite, realgar, orpiment, cinnabar, vrbaite, greigite, marcasite, pyrite, tetrahedrite, antimonian sphalerite, arsenic and barite. The mineral is being used for detection of solar neutrino via a certain nuclear reaction involving thallium. It has a monoclinic crystal structure consisting of spiral chains of AsS3 tetrahedra interconnected by thallium atoms, and can be synthesized in the laboratory.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Lorándite 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.
Lorándite Localities Map
See where Lorándite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Composition of Lorándite
The crystal structure of lorandite is monoclinic, space group P21/a, Z = 4, with the lattice constants a = 1.228 nm, b = 1.130 nm, c = 0.6101 nm and β = 104.5 °. It consists of spiral chains of AsS3 tetrahedra oriented to the [010] crystal axis. The chains are covalently interlinked by irregularly coordinated Tl atoms (chain interconnections not shown in the picture), and breaking of these links is responsible for crystal cleavage.
More Images
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Cochineal- to carmine-red; often dark lead-gray on the surface and frequently coated by an ochre-yellow powder.
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 2 - 2.5
- Density
- 5.53 g/cm³
- Streak
- Cherry-red
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- TlAsS2
- Elements
- As, S, Tl
Identify Lorándite Instantly
- Snap a photo, get instant results
- 6,700+ rocks, minerals & crystals
- Discover collecting spots near you
Lorándite FAQs
How do I identify Lorándite?
Lorándite can be identified by its hardness of 2 - 2.5 on the Mohs scale, Cochineal- to carmine-red; often dark lead-gray on the surface and frequently coated by an ochre-yellow powder. color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Lorándite?
Lorándite typically appears in Cochineal- to carmine-red; often dark lead-gray on the surface and frequently coated by an ochre-yellow powder.. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Lorándite?
Lorándite has a hardness of 2 - 2.5 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a soft mineral that can be scratched easily.
What is the composition of lorándite of Lorándite?
The crystal structure of lorandite is monoclinic, space group P21/a, Z = 4, with the lattice constants a = 1.228 nm, b = 1.130 nm, c = 0.6101 nm and β = 104.5 °. It consists of spiral chains of AsS3 tetrahedra oriented to the [010] crystal axis. The chains are covalently interlinked by irregularly coordinated Tl atoms (chain interconnections not shown in the picture), and breaking of these links is responsible for crystal cleavage.
%252FAbenakiite-(ce)-01.jpg&size=small)
