AllMineralsRock
Pyrolusite
Pyrolusite is a very popular mineral composed of manganese dioxide. [1]
Pyrolusite: Quick Facts and Characteristics
Some quick facts for Pyrolusite:- Transparency: Pyrolusite is opaque.
- Crystallography: In terms of crystallography, pyrolusite is tetragonal.
- Luster: In terms of luster, pyrolusite can be dull or metallic.
- Streak: Pyrolusite streaks black, bluish or bluish black.
- Specific Gravity: Pyrolusite's specific gravity is 4.4.
Pyrolusite: Background and Summary
Pyrolusite is a mineral that belongs to the oxide group of minerals. It is a common mineral that is found in many parts of the world, including Europe, Africa, Australia, and North America. Pyrolusite is typically black or dark gray in color, and it has a metallic luster. The mineral is quite hard, with a Mohs hardness of between 2 and 6.5, and it is also quite dense, with a specific gravity of between 4.4 and 5.One of the key features of pyrolusite is its crystal structure. The mineral typically forms in a dendritic or botryoidal pattern, which means that it has a branching or globular shape. This structure is quite distinctive and is one of the key ways to identify pyrolusite.
Pyrolusite has a variety of uses. One of the most common applications is in the production of batteries. The mineral is used as a component in the production of dry cell batteries, and it is also used in the manufacturing of lithium ion batteries. Pyrolusite is also used in the production of steel, where it is used as a deoxidizing agent. In addition, the mineral is used as a pigment in the production of ceramics, glass, and paint.
Pyrolusite: Table of Properties
| Attribute | Pyrolusite (src) |
|---|---|
| Transparency | opaque |
| Chemical Formula | MnO2 |
| Chemical Composition | manganese dioxide |
| Specific Gravity | 4.4 |
| Streak | bluish black, bluish, black |
| Crystallography | tetragonal |
| Hydrous | No |
| Colors | common: gray sometimes: black, blue |
| Fracture | 1: 1 |
Pyrolusite: FAQ
Q: Is pyrolusite radioactive?A: Pyrolusite is not radioactive. It is a non-toxic mineral that is safe to handle.
Q: How is pyrolusite mined?
A: Pyrolusite is typically mined from open-pit mines or underground mines. The mineral is often found in association with other minerals, such as quartz and calcite.
Q: Can pyrolusite be used as a gemstone?
A: Pyrolusite is not typically used as a gemstone. While it has a metallic luster, it does not have the clarity or color that is typically associated with gemstones.
Sources
- https://www.minerals.net/mineral/pyrolusite.aspx- https://www.mindat.org/min-3317.html
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyrolusite
- Pyrolusite: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyrolusite
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