Important large Manganite & Baryte (old classic circa 1880)

Item Description

A most impressive, large and rich old-time manganite and baryte specimen from the famous mines at Ilfeld. Circa the late 1800s, and still to this day, these are known as the best of species for manganite. Striking jackstraw clusters of intergrown, lustrous, parallel-growth, jet-black manganite crystals are accented with starkly contrasting snow-white to oxided-tinted baryte blades on all sides and form a most aesthetic piece. The crystals on this dramatic piece reach 2.7 cm. It is actually a major museum-sized and impactful display piece with multiple display views. The jackstraw intergrowth of the crystals is remarkable. Yes, the sides are contacted, but many displays are very impressive! Broken crystals are noted, but are certainly only a modest detraction in context of the sheer size and quantity here. This large display specimen is an important large example of the combination species and famous locale, and almost impossible to find in a price range below several $10,000 increments. These old pieces came out in about 1865-1890. See the excellent Mineralogical Record article in 2010 Vol. 41, No. 6. Fairly valued at $4000 for size, richness and quality.