Class : Silicates
    Subclass : Sorosilicates
    Crystal system : Orthorhombic
    Chemistry : Pb₂Mn₂O₂Si₂O₇
    Rarity : Rare

Kentrolite is a rare lead and manganese silicate present as a very accessory mineral in metamorphic manganese deposits. It forms a series with melanotekite, its iron-bearing equivalent. Its name comes from the Greek kentron (point, thorn) because its prismatic crystals form thorny agglomerates. Kentrolite is a very dark reddish-brown mineral, almost black, which produces small, short prismatic crystals often grouped in sheaves.

Main photo : Kentrolite from Big Chief Mine, New-Mexico, USA © Jerry Cone

No twin known for this mineral species.

No fakes recorded for this mineral species.