Hausmannite is a mineral that belongs to the oxide class and is specifically categorized as a manganese oxide. It is composed of manganese (Mn) and oxygen (O) elements, and its chemical formula is typically written as Mn3O4.
In terms of its physical properties, hausmannite typically forms in crystalline structures. It commonly appears as opaque, metallic black-gray, or iron-black, and often exhibits a submetallic luster. It has a Mohs hardness of 5.5-6.5, implying that it is relatively hard. The fracture of hausmannite is uneven, and its streak is brownish-black.
The mineral was named after the German mineralogist Johann Friedrich Ludwig Hausmann, who made significant contributions to the field of mineralogy during the 19th century. Hausmannite is primarily found in hydrothermal veins and manganese ore deposits. It is commonly associated with other minerals like rhodochrosite, braunite, and hematite.
Hausmannite possesses magnetic properties, as it is antiferromagnetic below its Neel temperature (approximately 65 °C or 149 °F) and becomes paramagnetic above this temperature. It exhibits a tetragonal crystal structure, with each unit cell consisting of four manganese atoms and eight oxygen atoms.
From an industrial standpoint, hausmannite has limited use due to its scarcity and the presence of other more economically viable manganese ores. However, it is occasionally extracted for manganese production, which finds applications in steel manufacturing, batteries, and pigments.
In summary, hausmannite is a black-gray mineral with a metallic appearance and is categorized as a manganese oxide. It possesses magnetic properties and is found in hydrothermal veins and manganese ore deposits.
