By Chisom Ibemere
Psilomelane is a barium manganese oxide mineral.
The name “psilomelane” comes from the Greek words “psilos” meaning smooth and “melanos” which translates to “black”. It refers to its typical appearance. It was first described as a distinct mineral species in 1822 based on samples found in the Ural Mountains of Russia.
It is a secondary manganese ore mineral that forms from the weathering and oxidation of other manganese minerals.
Psilomelane has a black to bluish-black color and a metallic luster with a hard, compact, earthy texture and conchoidal fracture. It has a Mohs hardness of 5-6 and forms botryoidal, reniform, or stalactitic masses.
Psilomelane is known as an important ore and is mined for its manganese content. It is used in the production of steel, dry-cell batteries, and as a pigment. It has also been used as a coloring agent in glass and ceramics.
Psilomelane can be found in many countries around the world, including Russia, South Africa, Ghana, Brazil, and the United States.
The global production and reserves of psilomelane are not precisely known, as it is often mined and reported together with other manganese minerals.
Psilomelane has significant economic value globally as manganese is a critical mineral for industrial and technological applications.
The value of psilomelane depends on its manganese content and the demand for manganese in various industries.
Generally, psilomelane is an important manganese mineral with a long history of use and continues to have significant global economic importance as a source of this essential industrial metal.