Psilomelane

Description

A black metallic hydroxide of barium and manganese. Psilomelane is an important ore of Manganese. It occurs as black rounded masses and is found in Germany, France, Belgium, Scotland, Sweden, India, and the U.S.(Arizona, Virginia).

Physical and Chemical Properties

• Fracture = subconchoidal.
• Luster = submetallic.
• Streak = black
• Composition = BaMnMn8O1 6(OH)4
• Mohs Hardness = 5.0 - 6.0

Resources and Citations

• Mineralogy Database: Psilomelane