• Detail of the pyrolusite, forming complex fanning patterns with fractures along straight parallel lines through it.
  • Blocky pyrolusite specimen, a layer of shiny metallic mineral on a grainy brown matrix
  • More distant view of the piece on its side, the top covered with pyrolusite with high metallic luster reflecting silvery.
  • Angled view of the top and sides, the top coated in shiny pyrolusite fans
  • The side of the specimen, a grainy brown matrix with spots of other color.
  • Another side of the piece, matrix with dark spots like sausage and a vein of pyrolusite through the side.
  • Scale image of the piece on a measuring mat, measuring a bit over two inches long and a bit under two inches wide
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Pyrolusite

Pyrolusite

$14.00 USD
$14.00 USD
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Locale: Sidi Ayed, Fès-Meknès Region, Morocco

Approx dimensions: 2 x 1.75 x 1"

Approx size: 105g

 

Pyrolusite forms radial fanning patterns with silvery metallic luster. The mineral is frequently sold as stibnite; the two are mineralogically unrelated despite the quite similar appearance. Pyrolusite is a manganese oxide mineral and member of the rutile group, whereas stibnite is a sulfide mineral.

The pyrolusite layer is decently thick on this piece, with the radial sprays cut perpendicularly by evenly-spaced parallel fracture lines creating an intriguing pattern (the fractures do not seem to make the material any more fragile).

Brittle/staining warning: Pyrolusite can be powdery and leave residue when handled.

The background model is Huernia zebrina.

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