11 Photos
Romanechite
Chemical Formula	(Ba,H2O)2(Mn+4,Mn+3)5O10
Species	Oxides & Hydroxides
Crystal System	Monoclinic
Mohs Scale	5-6
Specific Gravity	4.71
Color	Greyish black, black
Streak	Black, brown
Luster	Sub-Metallic, Dull

Romanèchite ((Ba,H₂O)₂(Mn⁺⁴,Mn⁺³)₅O₁₀) is the primary constituent of psilomelane, which is a mixture of minerals. Most psilomelane is not pure romanechite, so it is incorrect to consider them synonyms. Romanèchite is a valuable ore of manganese, which is used in steelmaking. It has a monoclinic crystal structure, a hardness of 6 and a specific gravity of 4.7-5. It is associated with hematite, barite, pyrolusite, quartz and other manganese oxide minerals. It has been found in France, Germany, England, Brazil and various parts of the United States, including Arizona, Virginia and Michigan.