Ranciéite
(Ca,Mn)Mn₄⁴⁺O₉ · 3 H₂O

     A new mineral species for MSH in 2006. Occurs as blackish alterations on rhodochrosite and/or siderite, identified by Al Falster, University of New Orleans.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Color is brownish or black.
Luster is metallic to dull.
Diaphaneity is transparent to opaque.
Crystal System is hexagonal; (??).
Crystal Habits blackish alterations.
Cleavage: none.
Fracture is (??).
Hardness is 2.5 - 3.
Specific Gravity is approximately 3.1 g/cm³.
Streak is dark brown.
Associated Minerals include rhodochrosite and siderite.
Distinguishing Features: none.
Origin: Named for its locality, Rancié, near Vicdessos, Ariège, France in 1859.

CLASSIFICATION:

REFERENCES:
Dana 8:325 (1997)

DISTRIBUTION AND RARITY AT MONT SAINT-HILAIRE:

Legend