What is Pyrolusite?

Pyrolusite is a dark black or grey mineral, but it can sometimes have a tint of blue. It has a streak of black or bluish black, and a metallic luster. With a hardness of 6-6.5 on the mohs hardness scale, pyrolusite can be scratched by a steel file.

Pyrolusite is an ore of manganese and consists of manganese dioxide. Pyrolusite is the most common manganese mineral. It has a chemical formula of MnO2(1 molecule of manganese, two molecules of oxygen).

Where is Pyrolusite Found?

Pyrolusite is found with manganite, hollandite, chalcophanite, braunite, hematite, goethite, and hausmannite in hydrothermal mineral deposits.

Uses of Pyrolusite

Pyrolusite is used as one of the most important ores of manganese. It is also used in the production of many alloys, like steel or manganese bronze. Pyrolusite also is used in a decolorizing agent in glass.