What does manganite mean?
Manganite is a mineral form of manganese dioxide, a compound with the chemical formula MnO₂. It is usually black to dark brown, opaque, and metallic or submetallic in appearance. Its crystals have an orthorhombic structure, which distinguishes manganite from pyrolusite, another mineral with the same chemical composition but a tetragonal structure. Manganite occurs in hydrothermal veins and manganese-bearing sedimentary deposits and has been used as an ore of manganese. Collectors also value well-formed specimens for their distinctive crystal habit. In everyday use, the term is uncommon because it names one specific mineral rather than manganese dioxide broadly. Understanding manganite demonstrates an important principle in mineralogy: different substances can share the same chemical formula while differing in the arrangement of their atoms and therefore in their physical properties.
nounA dark, opaque mineral composed of manganese dioxide (MnO₂), crystallizing in the orthorhombic system. It is an important ore of manganese and is distinguished from other manganese dioxide minerals by its crystal structure.
- An orthorhombic mineral of manganese dioxide that is typically black or dark brown and has a metallic to submetallic luster.
"The geologist identified a cluster of slender manganite crystals within the quartz specimen."
"Manganite occurs in hydrothermal veins and in manganese-rich sedimentary deposits."
"A sharp fracture and a black streak help a mineralogist distinguish manganite from some superficially similar specimens."
Used when referring to multiple specimens or occurrences of the mineral.
"Several exceptional manganites are displayed in the mineral gallery."
Manganite and pyrolusite have the same chemical formula, yet they are different minerals because crystals with identical atoms can arrange themselves in different structures.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of manganite
The name manganite was formed from manganese with the mineral-forming suffix -ite. The name manganese comes through German and Swedish from a Medieval Latin term associated with magnesia and ultimately with the Greek magganēsia, an ancient name connected with magnetic properties. The mineral name developed during the modern period of chemical and mineralogical nomenclature.
How manganite is actually used
This is primarily specialist mineralogical terminology. In scientific writing, it is normally lower-case and refers to the specific orthorhombic mineral rather than manganese dioxide in general.
Easily confused with manganite
Manganite is a manganese oxide mineral with the formula MnO₂, whereas magnetite is an iron oxide mineral with the formula Fe₃O₄.
Both are manganese dioxide minerals, but manganite crystallizes in the orthorhombic system while pyrolusite crystallizes in the tetragonal system.