manganieten

Manganite is a type of mineral composed of manganese, iron, and oxygen. It has the chemical formula MnFe2O4 and is a member of the spinel group of minerals. Manganite usually forms as a primary mineral in manganese-rich hydrothermal veins and replaces other minerals such as calcite and quartz.

Manganite is typically brown or reddish-brown in color and has a octahedral crystal habit. It can also occur as anhedral masses. Its hardness is around 5.5-6 on the Mohs scale and it has a vitreous luster. Manganite is relatively soft and can be scratched with a copper penny.

Manganite is an important ore of manganese, which is used in the production of steel, alloys, and other products. It is primarily mined in India, China, and Brazil. The extraction process usually involves crushing and grinding the manganite ore followed by magnetic separation and flotation.

Manganite has been studied extensively for its magnetic properties. It is an antiferromagnetic material which means that its magnetic moments are aligned in an antiparallel fashion, resulting in a zero net magnetic moment at room temperature. However, when heated above 50°C, manganite exhibits a Curie-Weiss behavior, indicating a transition to a paramagnetic state.

In addition to its economic and magnetic significance, manganite has also been of interest to mineral collectors due to its distinctive appearance and rarity. It is often associated with other manganese-rich minerals such as pyrolusite and psilomelane.