Alabandite. Merelani Hills (Mererani), Lelatema Mountains, Simanjiro District, Manyara Region, Tanzania. ...

Description

Alabandite
Merelani Hills (Mererani), Lelatema Mountains, Simanjiro District, Manyara Region, Tanzania

"A somewhat irregular sharp black crystal of alabandite. Got the specimen from James Zigras."
- Rock H. Currier

99.9999 % of the Alabandite ever formed on this planet, has all the esthetic charm of old roofing tar. Recently, i.e. within the last quarter century, a number of sharp crystals of this Manganese mineral were found in the Tanzanite mines along with the Tanzanite and some outstanding Pyrite crystals. What was notable about the Alabandite find was that the Alabandite masses had actual crystal faces unlike the usual shapeless black agglomerations found in all those other deposits. This little charmer is in excellent condition, has excellent crystallization,
and is rather sizable at 3 inches (7.5 cm) to boot.
Overall Measurements: 3.0 x 2.0 x 1.6 inches (7.5 x 5.0 x 4.0 cm)
Weight: 235 grams
Offered at no reserve

Provenance: Purchased from James Zigras [RHC #8727, acquired May 2014] [MinID: 06F-HKH]

[Scale: 1 inch, with mark at 1 cm]

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