ROMANECHITE Meaning and
Definition
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Romanéchite is a mineral that occurs naturally and is classified as a hydrous oxide of manganese. It is named after the village of Romanèche-Thorins in eastern-central France, where it was first discovered in the mid-19th century. Romanéchite belongs to the Rutile Group and has the chemical formula (Ba,H2O)2(Mn4+,Mn3+)5O10.
The color of romanechite is typically dark brown to black, with a submetallic luster. Its crystal system is orthorhombic and its crystal habit consists of radiating acicular aggregates, often forming botryoidal or mammillary masses. It has a hardness of approximately 4 on the Mohs scale and a specific gravity ranging from 4.40 to 4.90. It is not soluble in water.
Romanéchite is commonly found in association with other manganese oxides, as well as with minerals such as quartz, pyrolusite, and hausmannite. Its occurrence is often observed in various geological environments, including deposits formed by hydrothermal processes or as a result of weathering of manganese-bearing rocks. It can be found in countries such as France, Germany, the United States, and South Africa.
In terms of industrial applications, romanechite is primarily valued as a manganese ore. Manganese is widely used in the production of steel and various alloys due to its ability to increase strength and reduce brittleness. Furthermore, its use in batteries, pigments, and ceramics makes it a significant commodity in several industries.
Etymology of ROMANECHITE
The word "romanechite" is derived from the surname of François Sulpice Beudant, a French mineralogist and geologist. François Sulpice Beudant described and named the mineral in 1824, honoring his colleague and friend, Emmanuel Ludovic Emmanuel-Ludovic von Romé de l'Isle, a renowned French mineralogist. Therefore, the term "romanechite" is a combination of Beudant's surname and a homage to Romé de l'Isle.
