Mindat Logo
Home Page Log In Message Board The Mindat Directory
Register Search Pages Mineral Chatroom The Mindat Store

Pyrochroite

This page is currently not sponsored. Click here to sponsor this page.
Big Photo

Sterling Mine, Sterling Hill, Ogdensburg, Franklin Mining District, Sussex Co., New Jersey, USA
© 2009, JGW

Show Pyrochroite Photos (15)



Formula:
Mn(OH)
 
2
System:TrigonalColour:Colourless, greenish, ...
Hardness:2½ - 3
Member of:Brucite Group
Name:From the Greek πύρ, "fire", and χρώσις, "colouring", in allusion to the change of colour upon ignition.


Brucite Group

Classification of Pyrochroite

IMA status:Valid - first described prior to 1959 (pre-IMA) - "Grandfathered"
Strunz 8th edition ID:4/F.03-30
Nickel-Strunz 10th (pending) edition ID:4.FE.05

4 : OXIDES (Hydroxides, V[5,6] vanadates, arsenites, antimonites, bismuthites, sulfites, selenites, tellurites, iodates)
F : Hydroxides (without V or U)
E : Hydroxides with OH, without H2O; sheets of edge-sharing octahedra
Dana 8th edition ID:6.2.1.3

6 : HYDROXIDES AND OXIDES CONTAINING HYDROXYL
2 : X(OH)2
Hey's CIM Ref.:7.18.10

7 : Oxides and Hydroxides
18 : Oxides of Mn
mindat.org URL:http://www.mindat.org/min-3317.html
Please feel free to link to this page.

Type Occurrence of Pyrochroite

Type Locality:Pajsberg Mine, Pajsberg, Persberg district, Filipstad, Värmland, Sweden
Year of Discovery:1864

Physical Properties of Pyrochroite

Lustre:Pearly
Diaphaneity (Transparency):Translucent, Opaque
Colour:Colourless, greenish, bluish (fresh), brown to black (exposed); flesh-red or amethystine in transmitted light
Hardness (Mohs):2½ - 3
Tenacity:Elastic
Cleavage:Perfect
On {0001}
Density (measured):3.23 - 3.27 g/cm3
Density (calculated):3.25 g/cm3

Crystallography of Pyrochroite

Crystal System:Trigonal
Class (H-M):3m (3 2/m) - Hexagonal Scalenohedral
Cell Parameters:a = 3.31Å, c = 4.74Å
Ratio:a:c = 1 : 1.432
Unit Cell Volume:V 44.97 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Morphology:Crystals tabular {0001}; also less commonly rhombohedral with large {101¯2} or {101¯1}. Rarely prismatic [0001] with {112¯0} and {0001} developed. Foliated masses.

Optical Data of Pyrochroite

Type:Uniaxial (-)
RI values: nω = 1.680 - 1.681 nε = 1.720 - 1.723
Maximum Birefringence:δ = 0.040

Chart shows birefringence interference colour range (at 30µm thickness) and does not take into account mineral colouration.
Surface Relief:High
Pleochroism:Visible
Comments:Dichroic: O = brown; E = lighter brown.
Comments:Strongly reflecting in polished section (black altered material).

Chemical Properties of Pyrochroite

Formula:
Mn(OH)
 
2
Essential elements:H, Mn, O
All elements listed in formula:H, Mn, O

Relationship of Pyrochroite to other Species

Member of:Brucite Group
Other Members of Group:

- +
Brucite
Mg(OH)
 
2
Portlandite
Ca(OH)
 
2
Related Minerals - Nickel-Strunz Grouping):

- +
4.FE.05Amakinite
(Fe
2+
 
,Mg)(OH)
 
2
4.FE.05Brucite
Mg(OH)
 
2
4.FE.05Portlandite
Ca(OH)
 
2
4.FE.05Theophrastite
Ni(OH)
 
2
4.FE.10Bayerite
Al(OH)
 
3
4.FE.10Doyleite
Al(OH)
 
3
4.FE.10Gibbsite
Al(OH)
 
3
4.FE.10Nordstrandite
Al(OH)
 
3
4.FE.15Böhmite
AlO(OH)
4.FE.15Lepidocrocite
γ-Fe
3+
 
O(OH)
4.FE.20Grimaldiite
CrO(OH)
4.FE.20Heterogenite
CoO(OH)
4.FE.25Feitknechtite
Mn
3+
 
O(OH)
4.FE.25Lithiophorite
(Al,Li)MnO
 
2
(OH)
 
2
4.FE.30Quenselite
PbMnO
 
2
(OH)
4.FE.35Ferrihydrite
Fe
3+
5
O
 
3
(OH)
 
9
4.FE.40Feroxyhyte
Fe
3+
 
O(OH)
4.FE.40Vernadite
(Mn
4+
 
,Fe
3+
 
,Ca,Na)(O,OH)
 
2
 · nH
 
2
O
4.FE.45Quetzalcoatlite
Zn
 
6
Cu
 
3
(TeO
 
6
)
 
2
(OH)
 
6
 · Ag
 
x
Pb
 
y
Cl
 
x+2y
Related Minerals - Hey's Index Grouping:

- +
7.18.1Manganosite
MnO
7.18.2Hausmannite
MnMn
 
2
O
 
4
7.18.3Pyrolusite
MnO
 
2
7.18.4Ramsdellite
Mn
4+
 
O
 
2
7.18.5Akhtenskite
ε-Mn
4+
 
O
 
2
7.18.6Feitknechtite
Mn
3+
 
O(OH)
7.18.7Manganite
Mn
3+
 
O(OH)
7.18.8Groutite
Mn
3+
 
O(OH)
7.18.9Nsutite
(Mn
4+
 
,Mn
2+
 
)(O,OH)
 
2
7.18.11Birnessite
(Na,Ca)
 
0.5
(Mn
4+
 
,Mn
3+
 
)
 
2
O
 
4
 · 1.5H
 
2
O
7.18.12Aurorite
(Mn
2+
 
,Ag,Ca)Mn
4+
3
O
 
7
 · 3H
 
2
O
7.18.13Cianciulliite
Mn(Mg,Mn)
 
2
Zn
 
2
(OH)
 
10
 · 2-4H
 
2
O

Other Names for Pyrochroite

Synonyms:
Eisenpyrochroite
Other Languages:
German:Pyrochroit
Japanese:パイロクロアイト
Russian:Пирохроит
Simplified Chinese:羟锰矿
Spanish:Pirocroita

Other Information

Health Warning:No information on health risks for this material has been entered into the database. You should always treat mineral specimens with care.

References for Pyrochroite

Reference List:

- +
Igelström (1864), Ann. Phys.: 122: 181.

Igelström (1864), Ak. Stockholm, Öfv.: 21: 205.

Flink (1886), Ak. Stockholm, Handl.: 12(2), n. 2: 2.

Flink (1900), Bull. Geol. Inst. Upsala: 5.

Sjogren (1905), Geol. För. Förh.: 27: 37.

Flink (1910), Ark. Kemi.: 3(35) 106.

Aminoff (1919), Geol. För. Förh.: 41: 407.

Flink (1919), Geol. För. Förh.: 41: 433 (as Eisenpyrochroite).

Palache, C (1935) The Minerals of Franklin andSterling Hill, New Jersey, USGS Professional Paper 180: 50.

Palache, Charles, Harry Berman & Clifford Frondel (1944), The System of Mineralogy of James Dwight Dana and Edward Salisbury Dana Yale University 1837-1892, Volume I: Elements, Sulfides, Sulfosalts, Oxides. John Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York. 7th edition, revised and enlarged: 639-641.

American Mineralogist (1965): 50: 1296-1354.

Internet Links for Pyrochroite

Search Engines:
  • Look for Pyrochroite on Google
  • Look for Pyrochroite images on Google
    • External Links:
  • Look for Pyrochroite on Webmineral
  • Look for Pyrochroite on Athena Mineralogy
  • Look for Pyrochroite on Mineralien Atlas
  • Raman and XRD data at RRUFF project
  • American Mineralogist Crystal Structure Database
  • Mineral Dealers:
  • webminerals
  • Find Pyrochroite on www.crystalclassics.co.uk
  • Top quality minerals from Kristalle of California
  • Search for minerals at Heliodor
  • Fabre Minerals - search for Pyrochroite specimens
  • Wilensky Fine Minerals
  • Rare and Unusual minerals at Mineralogical Research Company
  • DAKOTA MATRIX offers Cabinet and Rare Species from Worldwide Localities.
  • Mineral Classics - Worldwide Collector Quality Minerals and Gems
  • Fine Minerals from Weinrich Minerals, Inc.
  • Search for Pyrochroite from all mineral dealers at minfind.com
  • Buy fine minerals and gemstones from Pala International
    • Jobs:
  • Mining & Geology Jobs

    • Localities for Pyrochroite

    The map shows a selection of localities that have latitude and longitude coordinates recorded. Click on the symbol to view information about a locality. The symbol next to localities in the list can be used to jump to that position on the map.
    Hide Locality List
    (TL) indicates type locality. ? indicates mineral may be doubtful at this locality. All other localities listed without reference should be considered as uncertain and unproven until references can be found.
    Atlantic Ocean
     
    • Mid-Atlantic Ridge complex
    		Gablina, I.F., Semkova, T.A., Stepanova, T.V., and Gor'kova, N.V. (2006): Lithology and Mineral Resources 41(1), 27-44.
    Canada
     
    • Québec
      • Estrie
        • Les Sources RCM
          • Asbestos
    		[MinRec 10:76]
    China
     
    • Shaanxi Province
      • Hanzhong Prefecture
        • Mian Co.
    		Zhongtang Yang, Zhiming Li, Gengbiao Qiao, Zhongbao Song, Xiaozhou Liu, and Wei Wan (2008): Geology and Prospecting 44(2), 38-44
        • Ningqiang Co.
    		Yeh, H.-W., Hein, J.R., Ye, J., and Fan, D. (1999): Ore Geology Reviews 15(1), 55-69.
    Ghana
     
    • Western Region
      • Tarkwa
    		Mineralium Deposita Volume 34 Issue 3 (1999) pp 297-311
    Japan
     
    • Honshu Island
      • Chubu Region
        • Aichi Prefecture
          • Kita-Shidara-gun
            • Shidara-cho
    		Mayumi Yoshinaga (1963) Memoirs of the Faculty of Science, Kyushu University, Series D, Geology, 14, 1, 1-22.
        • Fukui Prefecture
          • Mikata-kaminaka-gun
            • Wakasa-cho
    		Kato, A. (2010) Mumeikai Group meeting, No. 30.
        • Nagano Prefecture
          • Kami-Ina-gun
            • Hamayokokawa mine (Hamayokogawa mine)
    		Akira Kato (2011) Explanations of distributed specimens at the Ordinary Meeting of Mumeikai Group, No. 34 (January, 20011).
    Akira Kato (2011) Explanations of distributed specimens at the Ordinary Meeting of Mumeikai Group, No. 34 (January, 20011).
      • Chugoku Region
        • Yamaguchi Prefecture
          • Iwakuni City
    		Mayumi Yoshinaga (1963) Memoirs of the Faculty of Science, Kyushu University, Series D, Geology, 14, 1, 1-22.
    Mayumi Yoshinaga (1963) Memoirs of the Faculty of Science, Kyushu University, Series D, Geology, 14, 1, 1-22.
      • Kanto Region
        • Gunma Prefecture
          • Kiryuu City
        • Tochigi Prefecture
          • Kanuma City
    		Mayumi Yoshinaga (1963) Memoirs of the Faculty of Science, Kyushu University, Series D, Geology, 14, 1, 1-22.
      • Kinki Region
        • Kyoto Prefecture
          • Sohraku-gun
        • Shiga Prefecture
    		No reference listed
      • Tohoku Region
        • Iwate Prefecture
          • Miyako City
    		Mayumi Yoshinaga (1963) Memoirs of the Faculty of Science, Kyushu University, Series D, Geology, 14, 1, 1-22.
          • Noda
    		Okamoto collection (curated at the Geological Survey museum, Japan); Katsu Kaneko (1956) Symposium del Manganeso, XX Congreso Geologico Internacional, Mexico D.F.
    Namibia
     
    • Otjozondjupa Region
      • Grootfontein District
        • Kombat
    		Mineralogical Record: 22: 421.
    Romania
     
    • Suceava Co.
      • Suceava district
    		http://minerals-of-the-carpathians.eu
    Russia
     
    • Urals Region
      • Southern Urals
        • Orenburgskaya Oblast'
          • Svetlyi
            • Buruktal District
              • Buruktal massif
    		Talovina, I.V., Lazarenkov, V.G., and Vorontsova, N.I. (2003): Lithology and Mineral Resources 38(5), 403-415.
    South Africa
     
    • Northern Cape Province
      • Kalahari manganese fields
        • Hotazel
    		[MinRec 22:289]
        • Kuruman
          • N'Chwaning Mines
    		[Von Bezing, K. L. et al. (1991) - The Kalahari (Afrique du Sud) manganese field : an update, Mineralogical Record, 22 (3), 279-302.]
    [MinRec 22:289]
    • Northwest Province
      • Western Bushveld Complex
        • Rustenburg District
          • Pilansberg Complex
    		The Canadian Mineralogist, V 42, 2004, pp. 1169-1178.
    Sweden
     
    • Dalarna
      • Hedemora
        • Garpenberg
    		Kjell Gatedal
    • Värmland
      • Filipstad
    		Palache, C., Berman, H., & Frondel, C. (1951), The System of Mineralogy of James Dwight Dana and Edward Salisbury Dana, Yale University 1837-1892, Volume II: 927; Nysten, P., Holtstam, D. and Jonsson, E. (1999) The Långban minerals. In Långban - The mines,their minerals, geology and explorers (D. Holtstam and J. Langhof, eds.), Swedish Museum of Natural History and Raster Förlag, Stockholm & Chr. Weise Verlag, Munich, pp. 89-183.
        • Långban district
    		Kjell Gatedal
        • Nordmark (Nordmarksberg)
    		Min.Mag.(1978) 42, 133-136
    Kjell Gatedal
    Mineralogical Magazine (1998) 62 (3), 395-407
    Palache, C., Berman, H., & Frondel, C. (1951), The System of Mineralogy of James Dwight Dana and Edward Salisbury Dana, Yale University 1837-1892, Volume II: 782; Anthony, Bideaux, Bladh, Nichols: "Handbook of Mineralogy", Vol. 4, 2000
        • Persberg district
          • Pajsberg
    		Nysten, P. (2004): Harstigen ett mineralogisk eldorado i Bergslagen. Norsk Bergverksmuseum Skrift 28: 5-13
    [Am Min 50 (1965), 1296; MinRec 1:165]
    • Västmanland
      • Hällefors
        • Grythyttan
    		No reference listed
    Switzerland
     
    • St Gallen
      • Alvier Group
        • Sargans
    		Die Mineralien der Schweiz, M. Weibel et al. 1990
    UK
     
    • England
      • Devon
        • Dartmoor & Teign Valley District
          • Teign Valley
            • Doddiscombsleigh
    		Bernie Millington Collection
    • Wales
      • Gwynedd (Caernarvonshire)
        • Lleyn Peninsula
          • Llanfaelrhys
            • Rhiw
    		No reference listed
    USA
     
    • California
      • Alpine Co.
    		MinRec 22:29-42
          • Colorado Hill
    		Mineralogical Record (1991): 22: 37.
      • Santa Clara Co.
        • Diablo Range
          • Black Wonder District
            • East Foothills
    		Rogers, Austin Flint (1919b), An interesting occurrence of manganese minerals near San Jose, California: American Journal of Science, 4th. Series: 48: 445; Murdoch, Joseph & Robert W. Webb (1966), Minerals of California, Centennial Volume (1866-1966): California Division Mines & Geology Bulletin 189: 235, 302; www.mineralsocal.org
    • Nevada
      • White Pine Co.
    		NBMG Spec. Pub. 31 Minerals of Nevada
    • New Jersey
      • Sussex Co.
        • Franklin Mining District
          • Franklin
    		Palache(1935):50.
    Palache(1935):50-52; Dunn(1995):Pt4:601-603.
    Palache(1935):50.
          • Ogdensburg
            • Sterling Hill
    		Palache(1935):50-52; Dunn(1995):Pt4:601-603.
    Mineral and/or Locality
    Search Google
     
    Copyright © Jolyon Ralph and Ida Chau 1993-2011. Site Map. Locality, mineral & photograph data are the copyright of the individuals who submitted them. Further information contact the Site hosted & developed by Jolyon Ralph. Mindat.org is an online information resource dedicated to providing free mineralogical information to all. Mindat relies on the contributions of hundreds of members and supporters. Mindat does not offer minerals for sale. If you would like to add information to improve the quality of our database, then click here to register.
    Current server date and time: 1st Sep 2011 08:40:11
    Mineral and Locality Search
    Mineral:
    and/or Locality:
    Options
    Fade toolbar when not in focusFix toolbar to bottom of page
    Hide Social Media Links
    Slideshow frame delay seconds