Manganite & Barite (circa 1880s) ex Obodda

Item Description

A very shapely, 3-sided, old-time combination piece from historic Ilfeld and the Herb Obodda dealer stock. Splendent, striated, jet-black, manganite prisms to 1.6 cm richly cover three sides of the sculptural, vuggy small cabinet. The jet-black is starkly contrasted by the bright white of the tabular barite crystals. The striking, sharp, barite crystal is 1.8 x 1.3 cm. The vug on the back side is lined with tiny, scintillating, manganite crystals. This historic, old-timer is NOT just a "black rock" by any means. These old pieces came out in about 1865-1890 (per the excellent 2010 Ilfeld article in The Mineralogical Record). Excellent crystals, good size, high luster and fine form make this an excellent and affordable small cabinet combination piece. Ex Herb Obodda dealer stock. Valued at $1000. Classic material.