Chemical Formula: (Ba,H2O)Mn10,O10
Class: Hydrous Oxides
Hardness: 5-6
Coloration: Iron black to steel gray

How to identify it/Unique Characteristics or Properties:
Romanechite was originally called Psilomelane. Romanechite is an important ore of manganese, and also a source of barium. In its’ natural form, it usually looks bumpy, made from rounded nodules. The variety pictured above is a fairly common banded form of romanechite and pyrolusite that has been polished to bring out the banding.

Where to find it in…

The Northwest: Montana
Other: France, India, Mexico, England
Past Uses: Manganese ore.
How it was Made: Forms as a secondary mineral near manganese ore, where that ore is weathered.
Interesting Facts: Romanechite can often look bubbly, as if it was still a boiling liquid.