Delta Manganese Dioxide
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Malthus_Jr.&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="User:Malthus Jr. (page does not exist)">Alain Manceau</a> (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Mineral NameDelta Manganese Dioxide
Chemical FormulaMnO2
Mohs Hardness1.5
Crystal Systemmonoclinic
Lusterdull
Streak Colorblack to brownish-black
Cleavageperfect on {001}
Fractureuneven
Specific Gravity3.6
Colorsblack, brownish-black
Transparencyopaque
Type Localitywidespread
Mineral GroupOxides
Usesbatteries, catalysts, pigments, manganese ore, environmental remediation
Associated Mineralspyrolusite, romanechite, goethite, hematite, clays, quartz
Raritycommon
Description
This high-resolution transmission electron micrograph (HRTEM) displays the layered structure of Delta Manganese Dioxide, showing individual crystals that are bent or flat with folded borders at the nanoscale.
Geological Context
Delta Manganese Dioxide (birnessite) is a common secondary mineral formed in low-temperature, oxidizing environments such as soils, sediments, and weathering crusts, playing a key role in manganese biogeochemistry.
