Manganite (old classic material)

Item Description

European classics are some of the most iconic minerals for collectors. They represent an age of collecting when the science was still developing, and the concept of specimen preservation was just coming into style. 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 well over 100 years. These are not only some of the most iconic examples of Manganite around, they set the standard for the species. The locality is now 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 good example of said material featuring attractive, lustrous, jet-black monoclinic prisms measuring up to 1.8 cm, with a small amount of accenting white Baryte. Very good condition all around, most of the crystals are in great condition, outside of the base of the matrix where the piece was removed from the pocket wall. You don't see a lot of these pieces with Barite. A very attractive and worthwhile display specimen of this beloved historic material. Valued at $1,500.
From the worldwide mineral collection of Rich ("Dick") Hauck of New Jersey, with a label stating it was from the the Alston Collins collection. Dick is an avid collector of minerals, books, and mining memorabilia, along with being an accomplished author in the mineral world. Arguably, his greatest claim to fame is being the co-founder of the Sterling Hill Mining Museum in Ogdensburg, NJ. Dick purchased the land on which the Sterling Hill Mine resides in 1988, and the museum has been running strong since.