Limonite (''Xanthosiderite'')

Item Description

A rarely seen specimen of what was formerly called Xanthosiderite, but was recognized to be Limonite with water content. The website theodora.com states the following regarding the species, "It often happens that analyses of brown iron ores reveal a larger proportion of water than required by the typical formula of limonite, and hence new species have been recognized. Thus the yellowish brown ore called by E. Schmidt xanthosiderite." With that said, this is rare material, as Limonite is not typically seen in this style, and this particular piece is the ONLY specimen we've ever seen from the Friedrichroda area (likely from the Glücksstern Mine). There is one similar specimen posted on mindat.org that is listed as Goethite, not Limonite for what it's worth. This piece features beautiful radial groups of dark bronze colored Limonite which can be seen on all sides of the specimen. It's actually quite attractive for what it is, and it's one of those unique esoteric pieces that you're not likely to find anywhere for sale on the market, these are the kind of pieces that only exist in old collections.
From the collection of Kurt Hefendehl (#220 D), a well-known German collector all over Europe with worldwide contacts to dealers and collectors. He started collecting seriously at the age of 14 and his great and varied worldwide collection reached over 6000 pieces. He was very active mineralogically until shortly before his passing in 2020 at the age of 82. Considering his collection had a large number of pieces, it still had an unusually high standard of quality from most worldwide localities. He particularly specialized in all classics as well as minerals of the Black Forest, where he spent much time collecting. His Black Forest and German subcollections went to his good friend Wolfgang Wendel. We at The Arkenstone have the privilege of offering the remainder of this great worldwide collection for the foreseeable future through our various platforms.