The facts
What romanèchite actually is
Mineralogically, romanèchite is barium manganese oxide — (Ba,H₂O)₂(Mn⁴⁺,Mn³⁺)₅O₁₀, crystallising in the monoclinic system.
The colour is caused by mixed-valence manganese gives iron-black with a grey-white metallic reflectance. 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 4.70–4.74; cleavage is none.
Where romanèchite comes from
The recognised sources are Romanèche-Thorins, Saône-et-Loire, France, Chihuahua, Mexico and Sierra County, New Mexico, USA.
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 romanèchite is treated
Untreated. The dendritic form of romanèchite in chalcedony is the material sold as merlinite. Manganese dust is a respiratory hazard, so work it wet.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What romanèchite is confused with
The usual confusions are Psilomelane, Pyrolusite, Hematite and Goethite.
Because the material is opaque, refractive index is no help. Specific gravity around 4.70–4.74, hardness of 5–6, streak and magnification do the work instead.
What romanèchite is used for
Romanèchite is bought by mineral collecting, jewellery, heavy industry and pigments — 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, by the carat or by the tonne.
Durability and care
Hardness 5–6; cleavage none. That combination decides what it can safely be set into.
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 romanèchite costs
Indicative pricing for romanèchite is Specimens 15–150 USD; cabochons 10–50 USD.
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 romanèchite treated, and how?
Untreated. The dendritic form of romanèchite in chalcedony is the material sold as merlinite. Manganese dust is a respiratory hazard, so work it wet.
Where does romanèchite come from?
Romanèche-Thorins, Saône-et-Loire, France, Chihuahua, Mexico and Sierra County, New Mexico, USA. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is romanèchite hard enough to wear every day?
Not really. At 5–6 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 romanèchite cost?
Indicatively Specimens 15–150 USD; cabochons 10–50 USD. 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 romanèchite confused with?
Most often Psilomelane, Pyrolusite, Hematite and Goethite. Since the material is opaque, separation relies on specific gravity near 4.70–4.74, hardness and magnification.
What is romanèchite used for besides jewellery?
mineral collecting, heavy industry and pigments. Each of those trades buys it in a different form and a different unit.
Related stones
Looking for romanèchite?
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 romanèchite