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Romanechite is sometimes synonymous with Psilomelane, but in reality Romanechite is a strictly defined mineral that is recognized by the IMA, whereas Psilomelane is not specifically identified, or is a compound of several barium manganse oxides including Romanechite. Romanechite is named after the locality of Romanèche-Thorens in France, the type locality for this mineral. |
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Chemical Formula |
(Ba,H2O)2(Mn4+Mn3+)5O10 |
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Composition |
Hydrous barium manganese oxide |
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Color |
Dark gray to black |
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Streak |
Black to brownish black |
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Hardness |
5.5 - 6 |
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Crystal System |
Monoclinic |
Crystal Forms
and Aggregates |
Never in individual crystals. Habits include botryoidal, mammilary, reniform, stalactitic, radiating, acicular, fibrous, dendritic, arborescent, encrusting, massive, and earthy. |
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Transparency |
Opaque |
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Specific Gravity |
4.7 - 5 |
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Luster |
Submetallic, silky, dull |
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Cleavage |
None |
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Fracture |
Conchoidal, uneven, earthy |
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Tenacity |
Brittle |
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In Group |
Oxides; Hydroxides |
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Striking Features |
Color, streak, and association with other manganese minerals |
| Environment |
As a secondary mineral in hydrothermal replacement deposits, in sandstones, limestones, and clays. |
| Rock Type |
Sedimentary, Metamorphic |
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Popularity (1-4)
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3 |
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Prevalence (1-3)
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2 |
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Demand (1-3) |
2 |
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Romanechite is an ore of manganese.
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Romanechite occurs in many manganese deposits, though most often in uninteresting habit and not necessarily identified. The type locality for Romanechite is Romanèche, Saône-et-Loire, France. Other important localities include the Clara Mine, Oberwolfach, Black Forest, Baden-Württemberg, Germany; the Adam Heber Mine, Neustädtel, Schneeberg, Saxony, Germany; and an unspecified locality in Pinal Co, Arizona which has recently been producing nice specimens. |
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Pyrolusite - Most commonly in crystallized aggregates, which are lacking in Psilomelane.
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