Manganite (fine old classic material) (ex Rich Kosnar Collection)

Item Description

When it comes to old European classics, one of the staples from Germany are the famous old Manganites from the renowned locality at Ilfeld, Germany, the type locality for the species. Here we have a classic example of this material which dates back 100+ years. These are not only some of the most iconic examples of Manganite around, but the locality is completely defunct, and good specimens are rarely offered on the market. These crystals are instantly recognizable with their unique prismatic, striated form and beautiful jet-black, lustrous exteriors. This piece is a great example of said material featuring remarkable, highly lustrous, jet-black monoclinic prisms and little bladed Manganites all over. The main crystal on this specimen is smartly flaring out of the matrix and measures 3.5 cm long. Very good condition all around, no major damage that I can see, outside of the base of the matrix where the piece was removed from the pocket wall. Accenting white bladed Barite crystals make for a great touch. You don't see a lot of these pieces with Barite. The luster on these crystals is fantastic, just about as good as it gets for the material, as some of them almost look WET. A very attractive and worthwhile display specimen of this beloved historic material. Valued at $4,500. This specimen comes from the collection of Richard A. Kosnar (1946-2007), the well-known mineral dealer and collector from Colorado, who was the namesake for the rare zirconium phosphate mineral, Kosnarite. An old hand-written German label from and unknown collection also accompanies the piece.