|
Chemical formula
|
(Mn 2+ )SiO 3 |
|
Crystalline System
|
Tetragonal |
|
Class
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Oxides |
| Origin | Merida, Badajoz |
| Size |
Medium: 3.00-4.00 cm Large: 4.00-5.00 cm |
Pyrolusite with small crystals.
Together with rhodochrosite, it is the main manganese ore, the extraction of which is carried out by electrolysis. Manganese is a metal highly valued strategically, as it is a component of steel and other alloys such as manganese-bronze.
It is also used to manufacture chlorine and disinfectants. It is also used to discolor glass, because when it is mixed with molten glass, the ferrous iron is oxidized to ferric iron, which causes the greenish and brown colors that the glass would have to disappear.
It is also used as a coloring material in the manufacture of paints as well as in tiles and ceramics.
The piece you receive may differ slightly from the photo shown, since the minerals are natural and no pieces are identical. The size is approximate.