Columbite-(Mn) (superb large crystal) (ex Chet Lemanski Collection)

Item Description

An impressive and fine quality Columbite-(Mn) (formerly Manganocolumbite) crystal labeled as coming from Itambacuri, Brazil. It should be noted that I can't find a listing that places this species from this locality, but it's an older crystal, so the locality information may not have been accurate. With that said, it's one of the most impressive Columbite-(Mn) crystals I've seen from Brazil, for the simple fact that it's large and complete! The piece weighs in at a whopping 709 grams, notably dense for the size. The termination is complete and undamaged, along with all four prism faces. The only incomplete growth is on the base of the crystal where it separated from either the pocket wall or additional crystals of Columbite-(Mn). The striated jet-black prism faces are lustrous and textured on the surface, while the termination has a matte luster with a bit of embedded Quartz. A truly impressive and superior example of a species that is rarely seen in crystals this size. I would put a value on this one around $2,000-$2,500. From the collection of Chester ("Chet") S. Lemanski Jr. of Browns Mills, New Jersey (https://www.mindat.org/user-461.html). Collection #10453CL. 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.