How Do You Spell ALABANDITE?

Pronunciation: [ˌaləbˈanda͡ɪt] (IPA)

Alabandite is a mineral that belongs to the sulfide group. It has a chemical formula of MnS and is categorized as a black crystalline substance. The word alabandite is spelled as /ˌæləˈbændɪt/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable "al" is pronounced as /æl/ and the following syllable "a" is pronounced as /ə/. The word is then spelled as "ban" which is pronounced as /bænd/. Lastly, the word is spelled as "dite" which is pronounced as /dɪt/. Overall, the phonetic transcription of alabandite helps in understanding and properly pronouncing the word.

ALABANDITE Meaning and Definition

1. Alabandite is a mineral composed of manganese sulfide (MnS) that belongs to the pyrite group. It is typically found as a metallic, opaque, and dark gray to black crystal, often occurring in granular or massive forms. The chemical formula of alabandite consists of one atom of manganese (Mn) bonded with one atom of sulfur (S).

   This mineral is named after the ancient city of Alabanda, located in present-day Turkey, where it was first discovered. Alabandite is commonly associated with other manganese minerals and frequently found in hydrothermal veins and metamorphic rocks.

   With a Mohs hardness ranging from 3.5 to 4, alabandite is relatively soft and can be easily scratched and broken. It possesses a specific gravity between 4.0 and 4.2, making it considerably denser than most other minerals. Alabandite has no cleavage, which means it does not break along specific planes.

   Alabandite is known for its metallic luster and is often mistaken for other minerals like graphite or pyrite due to its similar appearance. However, its distinct color and higher density help differentiate it. It exhibits non-magnetic properties and is not electrically conductive.

   In terms of industrial applications, alabandite is not widely exploited. Due to its relatively low manganese content and limited occurrence, it has little economic significance. Nevertheless, as a mineral specimen, alabandite is appreciated by collectors for its unique crystal forms and rarity.

Common Misspellings for ALABANDITE

• zlabandite
• slabandite
• wlabandite
• qlabandite
• akabandite
• apabandite
• aoabandite
• alzbandite
• alsbandite
• alwbandite
• alqbandite
• alavandite
• alanandite
• alahandite
• alagandite
• alabzndite
• alabsndite
• alabwndite
• alabqndite
• alababdite

Etymology of ALABANDITE

The word alabandite is derived from the name of a historical region located in present-day Turkey called Alabanda. Alabanda was renowned in ancient times for its production of a mineral with a metallic appearance, which is what the term alabandite refers to. The first part of the word, alaband-, is taken directly from the name of the region, while the suffix -ite is a mineralogical suffix indicating that it is a mineral. Therefore, alabandite literally means the mineral from Alabanda.

Plural form of ALABANDITE is ALABANDITES