Manganite with Barite (found in 1880s)

Item Description

An excellent and aesthetic miniature jackstraw cluster of splendent, striated, jet-black manganite prisms accented with a bit of contrasting, snow-white barite. This historic, old-timer is NOT just a "black rock" by any means. It displays very dramatically and impressively. The crystals reach 1.4 cm in this radial cluster - a very aesthetic miniature. These old pieces came out in about 1886-1888 (per Bancroft's book GEM & CRYSTAL TREASURES). This piece is solid, crystallized manganite. The sides and back are contacted, but nearly out of sight. Superb crystals, good size and form, and high luster make this an outstanding miniature, valued about $900. Classic 1880s material.