Alabandite (large crystal)

Item Description

Here we have an impressive Alabandite crystal from a discovery in 2008 in Tanzania. This fairly rare manganese sulfide species, not often seen in large well-formed crystals. My favorite thing about these Tanzanian crystals is that they were found just shortly after the major discovery at the famed Uchucchacua Mine in Peru, which yielded superb world-class Alabandite crystals, so it was an amazingly strange coincidence that another momentous discovery was made in the famed Merelani Hills of Tanzania. What's even stranger is that this part of Tanzania is predominantly known for producing the world-famous Tanzanite crystals and other gem silicates, not metallic black sulfides. I This specimen is an impressive example of the Merelani material featuring a large, robust, well-formed octahedral crystal (with minor cubic faces) of Alabandite with a dark silvery-grey hue and no matrix. The crystal is not 100% complete, but it does feature several very sharp, smooth faces with an attractive metallic luster. If you collect sulfides or simply rare species, do not pass up the chance to get your hands on a very good sized crystal from this classic locality in Tanzania. Priced in the inventory at $1,000.