Bixbyite-(Mn) (ex Chet Lemanski Collection)

Item Description

Bixbyite is one of the iconic minerals associated with the Thomas Mountains in Utah. The finest examples of this rare manganese oxide come from Utah. Now it should be noted that in December of 2021, Bixbyite has been reclassified into Bixbyite-(Mn) and Bixbyite-(Fe). For all intents and purpose, Bixbyite as we know it refers to Bixbyite-(Mn), but for the sake of "getting it right", we've listed this piece as Bixbyite-(Mn). This specimen hosts a fine quality, very sharp, highly lustrous, metallic, black modified cubic crystal of Bixbyite measuring 7 mm, set right in the center of the underlying Rhyolite matrix. Great quality, no damage, and a showy example of the wonderful classic material. From the collection of Chester ("Chet") S. Lemanski Jr. of Browns Mills, New Jersey (https://www.mindat.org/user-461.html). Collection #0129CL, and the catalogue entry for the piece states that it was exported from China and imported into the United States by The Rocksmiths, and was purchased by Chet on in February 2001 (TGMS Show). Chet was born 1947 in started collecting minerals circa 1957. He worked briefly as a drill runner at the famous Sterling Mine, in Ogdensburg, New Jersey and from 1987 to 1990 he helped convert the mine into a public access mining museum. He has held the role of treasurer, vice president and president of the Franklin-Ogdensburg Mineralogical Society (FOMS), and has been a board member and vice president of the Franklin Mineral Museum. The rare copper arsenate, Lemanskiite was named in his honor in 1999.