Manganite with Quartz and Baryte (classic material) (late 1800s)

Item Description

A showy and fine quality matrix specimen of Manganite from the type locality for the species, Ilfeld, Germany. Most of the Manganites you'll see from this locality are not typically on matrix, but this piece is a rare and eye-catching cabinet sized matrix specimen featuring elongated thin prismatic crystals measuring up to 2.0 cm long, sitting among prismatic grey Quartz crystals and bladed white Baryte crystals on matrix. I will point out that Manganite with Quartz matrix is RARE from Ilfeld, and I honestly can't remember having one to offer before. The Manganites are in very good condition, with no major damage I can find. A really choice piece of this old classic material (for which the label says it was mined in the late 1800s) with a notably hard to find combo of Manganite, Quart and Baryte together on the same specimen. Valued $2,500.
From the collection of longtime mineral collector Dr. Bob Lauf (Collection #830), the author of the Mineral Collectors Guide books (Schiffer Publishing), widely seen at mineral shows and libraries. Robert Lauf grew up in Chicago and attended the University of Illinois, ultimately receiving a Ph.D. in Metallurgical Engineering. His scientific career included over twenty years at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where he conducted research on topics ranging from nuclear fuel, coal by-products, materials synthesis, microwave processing, sensors, optical materials, and biomineralization. He has been granted over forty U.S. Patents for his inventions, many of which have become successful industrial products. He is now a Registered Patent Agent and technology consultant.