*** All information about the metaphysical properties of the listings on this site is for reference only and is to be understood in this context. It is based on research of opinions and beliefs from different cultures today and throughout history and my own personal beliefs.The information is not to be taken as a replacement for a medical examination, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical advice, please consult a healthcare professional. ***

This specimen is Cryptomelane and is generally referred to as Psilomelane, which is simply a field term for a hard, heavy black rock that is a mix of Manganese Oxides.

This specimen weighs 52g and measures 4.5cm x 3cm x 2cm and was sourced in the 1990’s from Mt Isa, Australia. This piece has an estimated density of around 3.6g per cubic cm, which means this specimen likely contains Coronadite, which is the lead rich cousin to Cryptomelane. Although there is some obvious damage in several sections this is a fine example of the Botryoidal form of this mineral.

Mt Isa Is one of the most famous, massive base-metal mining systems in the world. Deep underground, the Mount Isa Mines are famous for giant, primary sulfide ore bodies rich in Lead, Copper, Zinc and Silver. However this specimen formed very close to the surface and was found at the Black Rock Open Cut Mine.

Cryptomelane:-

From the Greek for hidden and black, because this mineral was difficult to identify among the other Manganese Oxides, which are  also black. Cryptomelane is one of the manganiferous products designated under the generic name Psilomelane. This is “Psilomelane potassium”, potassium can be very partially replaced by other elements, notably Thallium. It is found in the superficial parts of rocks and manganiferous deposits. Its name is derived from the Greek kruptos (hidden) and melanos(black) because this mineral was difficult to identify among the other Manganese oxides, also black. Cryptomelane usually occurs in earthy or compact masses, steel gray blue to black, staining the fingers. Like most Cryptocrystalline Manganese minerals, it tends to evolve into well-crystallized species (Pyrolusite and Magnetite).

Cryptomelane typically forms under surface conditions as a secondary mineral in supergene oxidation zones. It acts as a replacement or open-space vug filling within weathered manganese deposits. It is commonly found alongside other weathered iron and manganese minerals like pyrolusite, goethite, limonite, and manganite.

Coronadite:-

Named in 1905 by Waldemar Lindgren in recognition of Francisco Vásquez de Coronado (1510, Salamanca, Spain - September 22, 1554, Mexico City, Mexico), a Spanish conquistador and explorer of the American southwest.

Coronadite is an oxide of Manganese and Lead, sometimes slightly hydrated, frequently showing low Iron and Aluminium contents. It is a secondary mineral which forms in the upper oxidised part of Lead and Manganese deposits, perhaps by recrystallization of a Lead bearing Psilomelane.

Colour is light grey to black, with a semi-metallic to dull lustre and is distinguished from other Manganese oxides by its high density of nearly 5. Growth habits also vary on the conditions and surrounding minerals during formation.