Lorándite

lorandite

realgar

vrbaite

greigite

Images

Formula: TlAsS2
Sulphosalt, sulpharsenite, thallium-bearing mineral
Crystal System: Monoclinic
Specific gravity: 5.53 measured and calculated
Hardness: 2 to 2½
Streak: Cherry-red
Colour: Cochineal- to carmine- red; often dark lead-grey on the surface and frequently coated by an ochre-yellow powder
Solubility: Soluble in nitric acid, with the formation of sulphur, melts easily
Environments

Hydrothermal environments

Although rare, lorándite is the most widespread thallium mineral; it is of hydrothermal origin, typically formed at relatively low temperatures. Associated minerals include stibnite, realgar, orpiment, cinnabar, vrbaite, greigite, marcasite, pyrite, tetrahedrite, antimony-bearing sphalerite, arsenic and baryte (HOM).

Localities

At the type locality, Allchar, Rožden, Kavadarci Municipality, North Macedonia, lorándite occurs as individual crystals 5-10 mm in size. Both tabular and prismatic, associated with realgar (Mindat).

Lorándite from Allchar - Image

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