Pyroxmangite: The mineral Pyroxmangite information and pictures

About

Pyroxmangite is a rare high-temperature polymorph of the mineral Rhodonite. Its appearance is almost identical to Rhodonite, and only complex scientific tests can distinguish the two minerals.

Crystal Forms & Aggregates

As grainy masses, in compact groupings, and massive. Single crystals are uncommon.

Striking Features

Color and crystal habits

Environment

Manganese-rich metamorphic environments.

Polymorphs

Rhodonite

Noteworthy Localities

Worldwide localities include the Taguchi mine, Shidara, Japan; Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia; the Morro da Mina in Conselheiro Lafaiete, Minas Gerais, Brazil; and Tunaberg, Nyköping, Sweden.

Localities in the U.S. are Silverton, San Juan Co., Colorado; and Franklin and Ogdensburg, Sussex Co., New Jersey. The type locality for Pyroxmangite is Iva, Anderson Co., South Carolina, but analysis has determined that specimens from this locality are actually a rare isomorphous mineral known as Pyroxoferrite.

Common Mineral Associations

Calcite, Tephroite, Rhodonite, Pyrolusite

Distinguishing Similar Minerals

Rhodonite - Indistinguishable without complex tests.
Bustamite - Lighter pink.
Pink Feldspars - Usually occurs in larger crystals.

Pyroxmangite

Abouti

Crystal Forms & Aggregatesi

Striking Featuresi

Environmenti

Polymorphs

Noteworthy Localitiesi

Common Mineral Associationsi

Distinguishing Similar Mineralsi

Photos