• A chunk of matrix with one flat side covered with radial sprays of pyrolusite, with light parallel fracturing through it.
  • A more distant view of the specimen, with the large pyrolusite sprays reflecting silvery.
  • Side-view of the specimen with a grainy brown matrix and flat layer of pyrolusite on one side. The pyrolusite looks as if it has flaked off in areas.
  • The back of the specimen, plain grain brown rock with no pyrolusite.
  • Another view of the pyrolusite on the front, with light reflecting off highlighting the evenly-spaced parallel fractures
  • Scale image of the piece on a measuring mat, measuring about two and a half inches with an extra protrusion, 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: 2.5 x 1.75 x 1"

Approx size: 150g

 

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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