Hausmannite (fine classic material) (ex Charlie Key Collection)

Item Description

A wonderful miniature specimen featuring a sculptural groups of very sharp, jet-black, brilliant, pyramidal tetragonal Hausmannite crystals which have grown into striking pagoda-like clusters. There is no matrix underneath, just a light reddish "wash" of Andradite Garnet crystals. The wonderful luster of the Hausmannite crystals allows them to sparkle even in medium lighting, and the desirable crystal form makes for an excellent specimen by any standard. Hausmannite may not get the attention is deserves, as this fairly well-known manganese oxide has been known for 200+ years, but it's important to stress that the world’s finest examples of this species come from the Kalahari Manganese Field. This specimen would make a very worthwhile addition to any collection. The only damage I can see is on the edge where it was either contacted with the pocket wall, or possibly was separated from additional Hausmannite crystals. Originally priced in the inventory at $850. Ex Charlie Key collection. Charlie is arguably the most successful dealer of the second half of the 20th century, along with being the namesake for TWO mineral species (Keyite and Ludlockite).