$425Median
6Sold (12 mo)
$450Last sale
Psilomelane specimens for sale
3 for sale · $800–$1,250 USD
23 in the gallery
Psilomelane is a historic name used for a broad group of manganese oxide minerals that form dark, often botryoidal, fibrous, or crust-like aggregates with a metallic to dull luster. In hand samples the material presents a deep brown to black appearance, sometimes showing a subtle sheen on fresh surfaces, and it commonly forms in sedimentary and hydrothermal environments where manganese minerals are concentrated. Individual crystals may be rare, but botryoidal and crust-like masses are characteristic, making specimens readily identifiable to experienced collectors.
- Rarity
- Common
- Stability
- Stable
- Collector interest
- Moderate Interest
- Classification notes
- Oxide minerals; MnO2 group, Pyrolusite–Cryptomelane series
Key characteristics
- Mohs hardness
- 5–6
- Specific gravity
- 3.7–4.7
- Luster
- submetallic, dull
- Transparency
- opaque
- Color
- black, gray
- Streak
- black, brown
- Cleavage
- none
- Fracture
- subconchoidal, uneven
- Crystal habit
- botryoidal, reniform, stalactitic, dendritic, massive
- Classic / historic
Buy Psilomelane specimens
View all 3Where Psilomelane is found
Top localities
- Dry Gill Mine2 specimens
- Kerch Peninsula2 specimens
- Montreal Mine2 specimens
- Montreal Mine2 specimens
- China1 specimen
- 79 Mine1 specimen
- Bisbee1 specimen
- Broken Hill1 specimen
- Butte Mining District1 specimen
- Cary Mine1 specimen
About Psilomelane
Notable specimens have come from classic sites in Morocco and China, where weathered manganese deposits yield substantial, well-preserved aggregates. Historical collecting from the USA, UK, Australia, and other locations has also produced attractive fragments and crusts that highlight the mineral’s rugged, earthy aesthetic. While the name Psilomelane is used in older literature for several manganese oxide assemblages, modern mineral identification emphasizes more precise mineral species; nonetheless, historic Psilomelane specimens remain sought after for their textural variety and vintage appeal in mineral cabinets. Collectors value these pieces for their dark coloration, varied habit, and the reminder of Mn oxide parageneses from prominent mining regions.
