Hausmannite pseudomorph after Manganite (classic material) (ex Dr. Wouter van Tichelen Collection)

Item Description

Manganite has been known at least since the 1820s. The first specimens were found at Ilfeld in Thuringia, Germany, which is where this piece hails from. It is a rarely seen pseudomorph of Hausmannite replacing prismatic crystals of Manganite on massive black manganese-bearing matrix. A few blades of white Barite can be seen for an excellent contrast. The largest individual crystal measures 7 mm long. The piece sits beautifully on its own without the aid of a base or clay. These famous old pseudomorphs date back to the 1800s, and are virtually impossible to find on the market today. I've only seen a select few over the years, and this one certainly ranks in the upper tier. Valued at $1,200 for the old locality, fine quality and the fact that you can't find them anywhere. From the prestigious pseudomorph collection of Dr. Wouter van Tichelen of Belgium.