Psilomelane

Under psilomelane means a Hartmanganerz, which consists of a mixture of manganese oxides. However, since mainly the mineral Romanechit is included, which is also known under the synonym Black glass head, even Psilomelane is sometimes referred to as. Since it is a mixture of various minerals, Psilomelane is no longer considered a separate mineral.

Psilomelane usually occurs in compact, opaque masses of earthy or fine-grained consistency, but is also in the form stalaktitischer or dendritic aggregates found from black to brown black color. Fresh samples have sometimes a metallic luster. The chemical composition for Psilomelane is given as (Ba, H2O) 2Mn5O10.

Special Features

When heated Psilomelanpulver in a test tube, and water vapor is released, which condenses on the walls of the glass. In hydrochloric acid (HCl ), it is soluble under evolution of chlorine.

Education and Locations

Psilomelane is like a typical sedimentary mineral pyrolusite. It may also be secondarily formed in the oxidation zone of other manganese minerals.

Large deposits of Psilomelane located primarily in Georgia and Ukraine. In Germany, especially in the Black Forest ( Eisenbach ) and recorded major occurrence in the Saxon Erzgebirge.

Use

Where Psilomelane occurs in larger amounts, the mineral is mined for manganese extraction.