mineral

Black drusy mineral coating, possibly hematite or manganese oxide

Undetermined; likely microcrystalline hematite (Fe₂O₃) or manganese oxides such as pyrolusite (MnO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Black, sparkly granular surface with a dull to submetallic luster; individual crystals appear very fine and botryoidal/drusy. Hardness is likely about 5–6.5 for hematite or 6–6.5 for pyrolusite, but the image is insufficient for reliable identification; cleavage and specific gravity are unavailable.

Identified August 15, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Black drusy mineral coating, possibly hematite or manganese oxide
Scientific name: Undetermined; likely microcrystalline hematite (Fe₂O₃) or manganese oxides such as pyrolusite (MnO₂)
Category: mineral
Identified: August 15, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Approximately $5–$30 for a common small specimen; $30–$100 or more if unusually attractive, well-crystallized, or conclusively identified.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Likely formed as an oxidation-zone coating or cavity lining in a mineralized host rock, where iron or manganese-rich fluids precipitated microscopic crystals. Its geological age cannot be determined from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Primarily a decorative or collector specimen; hematite and manganese minerals have industrial importance as iron or manganese ores, but this textured piece is unlikely to have commercial value.

Geological facts

The glitter may come from thousands of tiny crystal faces rather than metallic flakes. A streak test is especially useful: hematite generally leaves a red-brown streak, while manganese oxides commonly leave a black to dark-brown streak.

Field identification & locations

Commonly found in iron- and manganese-rich deposits worldwide, including Brazil, Morocco, South Africa, and the western United States. Test streak, magnetism, hardness, and specific gravity; avoid assuming it is obsidian or coal from appearance alone.