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Chemical Formula | FeAs2 |
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Composition | Iron arsenate, sometimes with some cobalt and nickel. If the iron (Fe) is replaced by more than 50% iron (Ni), the mineral is not Loellingite, but Rammelsbergite, and if it is replaced by more than 50% cobalt (Co), the mineral is Safflorite. |
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Variable Formula | (Fe,Co,Ni)As2 |
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Color | Silver-white. Tarnishes dark gray. |
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Streak | Dark gray |
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Hardness | 5 - 5˝ |
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Crystal Forms and Aggregates |
(Orthorhombic) Occurs as interestingly shaped prismatic crystals, as well as tabular crystals. Crystals frequently twins to form crosses or stars. Also occurs columnar, acicular, bladed, radiating, grainy, in thin veins, massive, and as compact aggregates. |
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Transparency | Opaque |
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Specific Gravity | 7.1 - 7.6 |
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Luster | Metallic |
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Cleavage | 3,1 - basal |
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Fracture | Uneven |
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Tenacity | Brittle |
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Other ID Marks | Gives off a garlic odor when struck or heated (Warning: do not heat; fumes are toxic) |
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Other Names |  Löllingite |
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Varieties | Cobaltian Loellingite -
Cobalt-rich variety Nickelian
Cobalt - Nickel-rich variety |
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In Group | Sulfides ; Arsenides |
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All About | Loellingite belongs to the Loellingite group, which is a group of chemically related isomorphous minerals. They are all rare minerals, and only a few of the more common ones are discussed in this guide. Other members discussed in this guide are Rammelsbergite and Safflorite. |
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Uses | Loellingite is found together with other arsenic minerals, and is thus a minor ore of arsenic. It is also an uncommon and desired mineral to mineral collectors. |
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Striking Features | Crystal habits, gives off garlic odor when struck |
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Complex Tests | Dissolves in nitric acid |
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Popularity | 3 |
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Prevalence | 3 |
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Demand | 3 |
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Distinguishing Similar Minerals |
Arsenopyrite - very hard to distinguish, but
contains sulfur attributes which are lacking in
Loellingite Skutterudite, Safflorite, and Rammelsbergite - indistinguishable without x-ray analysis. However, Safflorite and Rammelsbergite occur in different environments than Loellingite. Pyrite, Marcasite, and Pyrhottite - occur in different crystals, more yellow in color Cobaltite - occurs in different crystals |
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Commonly Occurs With |
Arsenopyrite, Siderite, Chloanthite, Magnetite, Galena, Sphalerite, Pyrite |
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Noteworthy Localities |
Loellingite is not a common mineral, and has
been found in Brazil, England, Germany, Sweden, Norway,
and Finland. Its name is derived from the locality of
Lölling, Huttenburg, Carinthia, Austria. In the U.S., it occurs in Franklin, Sussex Co., New Jersey; Amity and Warwick, Orange Co., New York; Center Strafford, Strafford Co., New Hampshire; near Auburn, Androscoggin Co., Maine; Gunnison Co., Colorado; and Alexander Co., North Carolina. |
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