What is "romanechite"

n. (context mineralogy English) a mixed oxide mineral of manganese and barium which is an ore of manganese

n. (alternative spelling of romanechite English)

Romanèchite ((Ba,HO)(Mn,Mn)O) 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.