Mineral Database (Saesneg yn unig)
Ramsdellite
Crystal System: Orthorhombic
Formula: MnO2
Status of Occurrence: Confirmed Occurrence
Distribution: Rare
Chemical Composition: Manganese dioxide
Method(s) of Verification: Drosgol Mine - XRD at the National Museum of Wales (specimen no. NMW 2003.22G.M.4, XRD no. NMW X-1353).
Geological Context:
- Supergene : in situ natural oxidation & weathering deposits
Introduction: ramsdellite is a secondary manganese mineral polymorphous with pyrolusite and akhtenskite. Ramsdellite typically forms through the alteration of pyrolusite or groutite in manganese deposits.
Occurrence in Wales: ramsdellite occurs within rich secondary manganese mineralization derived from an intensely altered section of the base metal dominated Camdwr Lode at Drosgol in the Central Wales Orefield (Cotterell, 2009). Complete alteration of primary sulphides, namely sphalerite, and leaching of surrounding host rocks has resulted in the formation of a strong manganese-zinc dominated assemblage (Cotterell & Mason, 2003).
Key Localities:
- Drosgol Mine, Drosgol, Ponterwyd, Ceredigion: thin (2 mm) layers of prismatic ramsdellite crystals occur associated with massive cryptomelane and small, platy, chalcophanite crystals cementing extensively bleached brecciated mudstone clasts within the upper portion of the Camdwr Lode (Cotterell, 2009).
References:
- Supergene manganese mineralization associated with the Camdwr Fault in the Central Wales Orefield. Journal of the Russell Society, 12, 15-25.
- Chalcophanite from Drosgol Mine, Ponterwyd, Ceredigion: The First Welsh Occurrence. UK Journal of Mines and Minerals, 23, 39-40.
