Information about Alabandite

Alabandite is a rare manganese sulphide mineral that typically appears as massive to granular aggregates or well-formed cubic crystals. It is usually black to dark gray with a metallic to submetallic luster, though it can sometimes display a greenish or brownish tint due to oxidation.

Uses and History

Alabandite has limited industrial applications due to its rarity, but it is occasionally studied for its manganese content. Some specimens are collected for their unique crystal habit and association with rare mineral deposits.

There is some confusion as to where the name really comes from. It may have been named after the ancient city of Alabanda, Turkey.

The type locality is not Alabanda, but Săcărâmb, Romania – where the first specimen was found and later described by F. S. Beudant in 1832.

Mineralogy

Hazards and Warnings

Mineral collectors should wash their hands after handling specimens, to avoid any exposure to potential toxins.

Almost all rocks, minerals (and, frankly, almost all other substances on earth) can produce toxic dust when cutting, which can cause serious respiratory conditions including silicosis.

When cutting or polishing rocks, minerals, shells, etc, all work should be done wet to minimise the dust, and a suitable respirator or extraction system should be used.

Translations

Further Reading / External Links

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alabandite
• https://www.mindat.org/min-89.html
• https://www.handbookofmineralogy.org/pdfs/alabandite.pdf