MANGANITE. Manganese Deposit, Ilfeld, Nordhausen, Harz, Thuringia, Germany. ...

Description

MANGANITE
Manganese Deposit, Ilfeld, Nordhausen, Harz, Thuringia, Germany

The element Manganese has the distinction of producing many ugly minerals and a very few of breathtaking loveliness. Of the lovely ones, there are a few that are black: the Manganite specimens from Ilfeld, Germany being one. Worldwide, only the Ilfeld Manganites have earned the designation of "classic" based on the size and perfection of form exhibited by examples from this locality. Here we have a large and fine older specimen from the charmingly named collection of E. Hartsinck Day's "School Cabinet," as attested to by an accompanying pen & ink label. It is larger than normal for Ilfeld Manganites and features some contrasting white massive Baryte in scattered patches between some of the smaller crystals. The largest of the lustrous flat-topped crystals measures up to 1.5 inches (3.75 cm) in height, and all are in pristine condition. The specimen has a flat surface on the bottom, eliminating need for a display base.
Overall Measurements: 5.15 x 4.05 x 2.75 inches (13.1 x 10.3 x 7.0 cm)
Offered at no reserve.

Provenance: David M. Crawford, ex. E. Hartsinck Day's "School Cabinet" Collection [Hoppel #D1765]

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