Axinite (var. MN-axinite)

Item Description

This is a very rare, large plate of manganoan-rich axinite from the mines at Delnegorsk, with sharp CURVING crystals to 4 cm in height splaying out from the matrix in all directions. It looks like nothing so much as an axinite hedgehog. It is, despite its size, nearly pristine with just a few dings here and there of no consequence in the overall context. Note that this is NOT to be confused with the far more common axinites from Puiva in the Ural Mountains. This Dalnegorsk material is VERY rare on the market, actually. You can note it by the distinct crystal style of robust, curving crystals that are fatter and more opaque than Puiva material, much like the old Japanese material in fact. I have not seen more than a handful for sale in nearly a decade now, though they were about in the late 90s for awhile. Of them all, this piece (just deaccessed from a customer's collection), is the largest plate I have come across in my memory even from the heyday of Dalnegorsk exports. Valued at $2500-3500, but perhaps more? I have no comparable for this one. I willadmit I was shocked when I saw it, given the size. I am offering it on behalf of a collector friend, who has held it since the 90s. Nearly 2 kilos,by the way....