Manganite (TYPE LOCALITY circa 1880s)

Item Description

Manganite from Ilfeld is one of those great minerals that readily dispels the old adage that "it's just a black mineral." In reality, the luster and form of these prismatic crystals is so good, and so consistent, that the phrase among collectors truly is, "it's an Ilfeld." This small cabinet specimen is a veritable forest of cm-size, terminated crystals, and their luster is good no matter what the level of light. The largest of the Manganites reach about 1.4 cm, and Ilfeld is the TYPE LOCALITY, to boot! Because of the uniformity, it is hard to shoot. ..Trust when I say that this is MUCH better in person. Aesthetic Ilfeld Manganites are notoriously hard to obtain, and are quickly scooped up when they are available. This is a pretty one, with luster. Minor damage, acceptable in context. These pieces are part of a century-old Italian collection that was recently acquired