ANDRADITE PSEUDOMORPH after RHODOCHROSITE with GUADEFROYITE and ETTRINGITE on HAUSMANNITE. N'Chwaning I Mine, N'Chwani... (Total: 2 Items)

Description

ANDRADITE PSEUDOMORPH after RHODOCHROSITE with GUADEFROYITE and ETTRINGITE on HAUSMANNITE
N'Chwaning I Mine, N'Chwaning Mines, Kuruman, Kalahari Manganese Field, Northern Cape Province, South Africa

Overshadowed by the stunning Rhodochrosites that come from the district, there are a number of other minerals of note that have emerged from this group of Manganese mines. Depending on which side of this specimen is being viewed, it will appear either as an irregular plate covered with black Hausmannite microcrystals and sprinkled with small, white Ettringite prisms or as a starkly geometric series of planar surfaces, the result of bladed Rhodochrosite being overcoated by deep red Andradite Garnet and black Gaudefroyite needles before the Rhodochrosite dissolved away, leaving only a series of casts. The aesthetic displayed by this side of the piece constitutes a study in the contrast between red and black, and subtle druzy luster against splendent black needles. There were only a few of these specimens and this one ranks in the top five from this discovery. It is in excellent condition and comes with a custom acrylic base.
Overall Measurements: 5.51 x 3.37 x 1.22 inches (14.1 x 8.56 x 3.12 cm)
Offered at no reserve.

Provenance: Attard Minerals [Hoppel #D1383]

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