What is Bixbyite-(Mn)?
Bixbyite-(Mn) is the manganese-dominant member of the bixbyite group. Its dark cubic crystals and association with manganese oxides make it a useful mineral for studying oxidation and ore formation.
Mineralogy and structure
The formula is Mn2O3. Bixbyite-(Mn) crystallises in the cubic system and has hardness about 6-6.5 with a specific gravity close to 5.
Colour and appearance
Crystals are usually black, dark brown or grey-black with metallic to sub-metallic lustre. Cubic and octahedral forms may occur, although fine granular coatings and compact masses are common.
Formation and localities
It forms in oxidised manganese deposits and can occur with hausmannite, braunite, pyrolusite and quartz. Notable material is known from Arizona, Utah, Spain, South Africa, India, Russia and Brazil.
Collecting and care
Sharp black crystals on a contrasting matrix are most desirable. Avoid assuming that every black manganese oxide is bixbyite; locality, crystal form and analysis may be needed for a reliable label.
Bixbyite-(Mn) and zodiac signs
Popular symbolic lists sometimes connect Bixbyite-(Mn) with Capricorn or Scorpio because of its dark colour and association with earth and metal. These are cultural associations only.
Symbolic and esoteric associations
Esoteric descriptions may use bixbyite as a symbol of strength, grounding and concentrated energy. This is metaphorical language, not evidence of an effect on people.
