Large Olmiite plate with Quartz

Item Description

Impressive, large and sculptural olmiite plate from the famous Kalahari Manganese Field of South Africa. Spherical clusters of sharp, gray, orthorhombic crystals dramatically cover the undulating plate. The two large dominating balls are 3.7 and 3.5 cm across. The famous N'Chwaning II Mine is the Type Locality and was only approved as a new species in 2006. Finds in the early 2000s were mislabelled as Poldervaartite, an analogue species. Enhancing accessories are the striking, 5.8 cm doubly terminated quartz crystal on one edge with multiple terminations on one end and the adjacent field of glassy quartz crystals on the bottom of the piece. Mass is 950 grams or 2.1 pounds. A striking giant piece of the species and an excellent large example of this varietal to be offered at auction.