Manganite pseudomorph after Calcite (rare locality specimen)

Item Description

An interesting and rarely seen large miniature / small cabinet sized piece from the Caland Pit in southwestern Ontario featuring metallic black Manganite that has formed pseudomorphs after compressed rhombic crystals of Calcite. I've seen a fair number of Manganites from this locality, but these pseudomorphs are RARE, and I can only recall having one other piece to sell over the last decade or so. The upper portion of crystals is in very good condition, although the base/periphery of the specimen is contacted where it was removed from the pocket wall. The pseudomorphs are notably sharp and pristine, with very little distortion, retaining the original crystal form of the Calcites. A special and seldom seen specimen for any fan of pseudomorphs. From the collection of William ("Bill") (1927-2006) and Anne (1928-2021) Cook of Cleveland, Ohio (#10016). This husband and wife duo were actively involved in the mineral world for many decades. Bill was a PhD geologist, and Anne was a mathematician, and they both were very serious mineral collectors. Bill served for many years as adjunct curator of mineralogy at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, and Anne was inducted into the Micromounters' Hall of Fame on October 12, 2019. Both Bill and Anne, at various times, served as president both of the Mineralogical Society of Cleveland and of the Micromineral Society of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, and Anne was inducted into the mi The rare barium lithium beryllium phosphate Wilancookite was named in their honor in 2015.