Olmiite (Type Locality) Ed David Coll.

Item Description

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RARE two color stacked Olmiite balls on this sculptural miniature from the famous Type Locality - the N'Chwaning II Mine. A RARE 2.1 cm red ball aesthetically rests atop a larger typical pinkish-orange ball, which is separated by a manganite layer from the section of another ball on the bottom. The spheres are composed of densely intergrown, lustrous, translucent, orthorhombic crystals, which GLOW, when backlit. They were originially thought to be Poldervaartite, a very rare Ca analogue of Olmiite, a Mn-rich silicate. The new Olmiite species was not approved until 2006. The platy manganite ore on the back adds character. The Ed David label indicates he bought the specimen prior to 2006. Ed was Science Advisor to President Nixon and assembled several world-class collection before he passed away in 2017. It comes with a custom made and engrave lucite base valued at $145, for free. An outstanding, rare and excellent two color olmiite from the locale. Valued at $2000.