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Glite Dictionary
psilomelane

psilomelane

9.9
A black mineral that contains manganese and supplies that metal
  • noun
  • /ˌsaɪləˈmɛleɪn/
  • Specialized
: psilomelana
  • The geologist identified the black crystals as psilomelane in the rock sample.

Examples

  • Mines in the area are rich in psilomelane, making them valuable sources of manganese.

  • Collectors prize specimens of psilomelane for their lustrous surfaces and unique forms.

  • The geologist identified the psilomelane in the rock sample.

  • Many psilomelanes can be found in this region.

  • Mines in the area are rich in psilomelane, making them valuable sources of manganese.

  • Collectors prize specimens of psilomelane for their lustrous surfaces and unique forms.

  • The geologist identified the black crystals as psilomelane in the rock sample.

Surface Forms

psilomelane singular
psilomelanes plural

Etymology

Psilomelane comes from Greek parts psilo- meaning 'smooth' or 'bare' and -melane meaning 'black'. The name describes a 'smooth black' mineral, which fits its shiny dark surface and helps explain why collectors and miners prize it as a source of manganese.