Psilomelane

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Psilomelane crown of silver stone meaning and properties.

Psilomelane is a group name for hard black manganese oxides including hollandite and romanechite. Psilomelane consists of hydrous manganese oxide with variable amounts of barium and potassium. The stone is erroneously, and uncommonly, known as black hematite, despite not being related to true hematite, which is an iron oxide.

Formula

Generalized formula may be represented as Ba(Mn2+)(Mn4+)8O16(OH)4 or as (Ba,H2O)2Mn5O10. It is sometimes considered to be a hydrous manganese manganate, but of doubtful composition. The amount of manganese present corresponds to 70-80% of manganous oxide with 10-15% of available oxygen.

Crown of silver psilomelane

Also named “crown of silver,” it is amorphous and occurs as botryoidal and stalactitic masses with a smooth shining surface and submetallic lustre. The mineral is readily distinguished from other hydrous manganese oxides by its greater hardness (5 to 6), while the specific gravity varies from 3.7 to 4.7.

The streak is brownish black and the fracture is smooth. Owing to its amorphous nature, the mineral often contains admixed impurities, such as iron hydroxides. It is soluble in hydrochloric acid with evolution of chlorine gas.

Sample from Mexico

History and occurrence

The name has reference to this characteristic appearance, from the Greek for (naked, smooth) and (black), a Latinized form is calvonigrite.

It is a common and important ore of manganese, occurring under the same conditions and having the same commercial applications as pyrolusite.

It is found at many localities, amongst those which have yielded typical botryoidal specimens may be mentioned the Restormel iron mine at Lostwithiel in Cornwall, Brendon Hills in Somerset, Hoy in Orkney, Sayn near Coblenz, and Crimora in Augusta county, Virginia. With pyrolusite it is extensively mined in Vermont, Virginia, Arkansas, and Nova Scotia.

Psilomelane properties

• Category: Oxide minerals
• Formula: Ba(Mn2+)(Mn4+)8O16(OH)4 or as (Ba,H2O)2Mn5O10
  Barium Manganese Oxide Hydroxide
• Crystal system: Monoclinic
• Color: black with gray pyrolusite bands
• Crystal habit: Botryoidal, Mammillary, Reniform
• Cleavage: none
• Fracture: conchoidal and uneven
• Mohs scale hardness: 5.0 – 6.0
• Luster: Sub-Metallic, Dull
• Streak: brownish black
• Diaphaneity: Opaque
• Specific gravity: 3.7 – 4.7
• Polish luster: vitreous to subadamantine

Psilomelane under microscope

Psilomelane meaning and healing properties benefits

The following section is pseudo scientific and based on cultural beliefs.

A stone considered excellent for gazing and scrying. It is used for many other kinds of trances. It can be used in emotional crystal healing to recognize patterns and uncover hidden motivations. This can help you to correct emotions and behaviors that are unloving or not useful to your life.

Additional insights on psilomelane

In historical contexts, psilomelane has often been an important source of manganese, which has broad industrial uses ranging from steelmaking to manufacturing batteries. Over time, collectors and enthusiasts have also been drawn to psilomelane for its striking patterns. The stone may display swirling and banded designs, sometimes interlaced with subtle metallic sheen. These visual features have made certain specimens popular among mineral collectors who appreciate psilomelane’s unique textures and layered appearance.

Psilomelane’s natural botryoidal forms can appear almost alien, with rounded, bumpy surfaces that demonstrate the slow geologic processes under which the stone forms. Because it is sometimes encountered as stalactites, the stone can also exhibit fascinating internal banding. When cut or polished, high-grade psilomelane can reveal intricate patterns in various shades of black and gray. This aesthetic quality has given rise to a niche jewelry market where artisans craft rings, pendants, and decorative pieces from psilomelane.

Working with psilomelane requires a relatively delicate approach compared to some other materials. While it rates between 5 and 6 on the Mohs scale, its amorphous nature can include micro-fractures. With proper care and gentle cutting techniques, jewelry makers can achieve a lustrous finish. Collectors interested in storing or displaying psilomelane should avoid direct, prolonged contact with moisture, as well as abrupt temperature changes. Such precautions help preserve the stone’s natural sheen and structural integrity.

FAQ

What is psilomelane used for?

Psilomelane is a stone that is considered excellent for gazing and scrying. It is used for many other kinds of trances. It can be used in emotional crystal healing to recognize patterns and uncover hidden motivations, helping you correct emotions and behaviors that are unloving or not useful to your life.

Where is psilomelane found?

The stone is more abundant in the surficial ores of certain deposits; with increasing depth, the softer oxides, pyrolusite and man- ganite, become more common. It has been found, however, to depths of 70 feet in the Black Jack mine and of 40 feet in the deepest workings of the Tolbard mine.

How is psilomelane stone formed?

The gem forms as a weathering product of other manganese minerals, often as concretions or dendrites deposited by ground water, or as nodules precipitated from lake water. It is commonly found intergrown with iron oxides and other manganese oxides.

Is psilomelane related to hematite?

Although sometimes referred to erroneously as black hematite, psilomelane is not related to true hematite, which is an iron oxide. Psilomelane is actually a manganese oxide with a distinctive composition, making it chemically different from hematite.

How do I care for psilomelane jewelry or specimens?

To maintain your psilomelane pieces, store them in a dry environment and protect them from harsh chemicals or extreme temperatures. Gently clean them with a soft cloth and avoid submerging them in water for extended periods to keep their surface sheen and structure intact.

Natural psilomelane for sale in our gem shop

We make custom-made psilomelane jewelry as engagement rings, necklaces, stud earrings, bracelets, pendants… Please contact us for a quote.