Manganite (TYPE LOCALITY - late 1800s)

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 fabulous, and so consistent, that the phrase among collectors truly is, "it's an Ilfeld". This cabinet specimen is a veritable forest of 9 mm, terminated crystals, and they shine no matter what the level of light. And Ilfeld is the TYPE LOCALITY, for the species, to boot! Because of the uniformity, it is hard to shoot. Trust when I say that this is MUCH better in person. This is an aesthetic Ilfeld Manganite, which are notoriously hard to obtain and are quickly scooped up when they are available. Mnor damage, but overall displays very well. A large and showy old classic, valued $1000-1250