Manganite (TYPE LOCALITY) and Baryte - circa 1880s

Item Description

Manganite is one of those black minerals that readily demolishes the perception that black minerals aren't beautiful. The crystals here have everything that great Manganites bring to the table: jet-black color, superb luster, and fine, almost cylindrical, form. The largest crystal is 1.2 cm and doubly-terminated, and the Manganite cluster has a backdrop of white, sparkly Baryte. Ilfeld is the TYPE LOCALITY for Manganite, and quality miniatures such as this, with such good form and aesthetics, are highly souught-after. Formerly in the collection of Richard A. Blackman. From the large worldwide collection of historical minerals, of George Elling of New Jersey. Aesthetic Ilfeld Manganites, which are notoriously hard to obtain, are quickly scooped up when they are available. This is an oustanding smaller example, as most are larger and clunkier.