Olmiite (rare and fine quality)

Item Description

Olmiite is a species that falls into a specific category of minerals that are almost exclusively tied to a single world locality or area, in this case the Kalahari Manganese Field of South Africa. I would make a comparison from Olmiite to Cavansite, both of which have beautiful distinctive colors and forms in eye-visible crystals which are really only found in one place in fine specimens. Keep in mind that most rare minerals are either very small or devoid or color, so when you have species like this with good sized crystals of a beautiful hue, it's special. The Olmiite specimens from the N'Chwaning are iconic and top-notch, and have found their way into collections around the world. Without the specimens from the N'Chwaning Mines, most people would have no knowledge of this gorgeous calcium manganese silicate. It's important to note that Olmiite has only been a valid species since 2007, so it has to be one of the most significant discoveries in decades as most new species are often microscopic and not terribly colorful. Keep in mind that virtually all of these specimens were labeled as being Poldervaartite several years ago, which now is an exceptionally rare species. This piece features wonderful, rare, gemmy, beautiful orange-pink colored semi-spherical groups and "sheaf"-like shaped groups of Olmiite on matrix. The largest Olmiite measures 1.8 cm across. When backlit, the Olmiites GLOW with color. A very attractive specimen of this famous and now somewhat hard to find. From Brian Kosnar, valued $2,000.