Olmiite (excellent quality) on Calcite

Item Description

The finest specimens of Olmiite in the world are those from the N'Chwaning Mines of South Africa. The only other place in the world where this calcium manganese silicate has been found in the famous Långban Mine in Sweden. I liken Olmiite to Cavansite/Pentagonite in the sense that they're truly rare minerals, and they're found in very good sized display specimens (keep in mind that most rare minerals are typically micros), and each species is remarkably beautiful. Additionally, there is only one place in the world where both species are found in superb specimens. This piece is a wonderful miniature sized specimen hosting superb quality, excellent color, translucent / gemmy well-crystallized "balls" of glowing pinkish-orange Olmiite associated with Calcite on minor matrix. The internal color of the Olmiite "balls" GLOW when the piece is backlit. No damage that I can see with the naked eye, and the piece is so showy! The large group of Olmiite crystals measures 1.8 cm across. The color in this mineral is so distinctive and unique that it really stands out as one of the most significant NEWLY discovered minerals in the last 20+ years. Keep in mind that virtually all of these specimens were labeled as being Poldervaartite when they first came out, but analysis has shown they are Olmiite, and Poldervaartite is now an exceptionally rare species. Without the specimens from the N'Chwaning Mines, most people would have no knowledge of the species Olmiite. Priced in the inventory at $3,500.