The Mineral pyroxmangite
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.
Color
Red, pink, yellow-brown, brown
Properties
Streak
Colorless |
Hardness
5.5 - 6 |
Transparency
Translucent |
Specific Gravity
3.8 |
Luster
Vitreous |
Cleavage
1,2 |
Fracture
Hackly, uneven |
Tenacity
Brittle |
Crystal Habits
As grainy masses, in compact groupings, and massive. Single crystals are uncommon.
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.
Distingushing Similar Minerals
Rhodonite - Indistinguishable without complex tests.
Bustamite - Lighter pink.
Pink Feldspars - Usually occurs in larger crystals.