The facts
What pyrolusite actually is
Mineralogically, pyrolusite is pyrolusite — MnO₂, crystallising in the tetragonal system.
The colour is caused by mn⁴⁺ oxide; black, sooty when massive, metallic when crystalline. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer gives nothing, because the material is opaque, and the specific gravity sits near 4.4–5.06; cleavage is perfect {110}.
Where pyrolusite comes from
The recognised sources are Ilfeld, Harz, Germany, Lake Valley, New Mexico, USA and Platten (Blatná), Czech Republic.
Origin affects price in this material, so we name the locality on every quote rather than the country. "African" or "Asian" tells a buyer nothing.
How pyrolusite is treated
Untreated, but gemmologically important as the black dendrite in 'landscape' and 'scenic' stones — these are manganese-oxide films in fractures, not fossil plants, and unscrupulous sellers still market them as fossils.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What pyrolusite is confused with
The usual confusions are Romanechite, Manganite and Goethite dendrites.
Because the material is opaque, refractive index is no help. Specific gravity around 4.4–5.06, hardness of 2–6 (soft when earthy, harder when crystalline), streak and magnification do the work instead.
What pyrolusite is used for
Pyrolusite is bought by mineral collecting, pigments, heavy industry and metallurgy — and each of those trades wants a different form of the same material.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the specimen or by the tonne.
Durability and care
Pyrolusite is 2–6 (soft when earthy, harder when crystalline) on the Mohs scale, with perfect {110} cleavage.
Below about 5.5 a stone will be scratched by ordinary household dust, which is largely quartz. That does not make it unusable — it makes it a pendant, an earring or an object rather than a ring worn every day.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What pyrolusite costs
Indicative pricing for pyrolusite is Dendrite plates $10–$150; crystallised specimens $30–$500.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is pyrolusite treated, and how?
Untreated, but gemmologically important as the black dendrite in 'landscape' and 'scenic' stones — these are manganese-oxide films in fractures, not fossil plants, and unscrupulous sellers still market them as fossils.
Where does pyrolusite come from?
Ilfeld, Harz, Germany, Lake Valley, New Mexico, USA and Platten (Blatná), Czech Republic. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is pyrolusite hard enough to wear every day?
Not really. At 2–6 (soft when earthy, harder when crystalline) on the Mohs scale it is softer than the quartz dust in ordinary household dirt, so it scratches with wear. It suits pendants, earrings and objects better than a daily ring.
How much does pyrolusite cost?
Indicatively Dendrite plates $10–$150; crystallised specimens $30–$500. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is pyrolusite confused with?
Most often Romanechite, Manganite and Goethite dendrites. Since the material is opaque, separation relies on specific gravity near 4.4–5.06, hardness and magnification.
What is pyrolusite used for besides jewellery?
mineral collecting, pigments, heavy industry and metallurgy. Each of those trades buys it in a different form and a different unit.
Related stones
Looking for pyrolusite?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about pyrolusite