Pyrolusite (classic material) (ex Henry de Linde Collection)

Item Description

The Pyrolusite specimens from the Taylor Mine in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan are well-known as some of the important examples of the species from anywhere in the United States. They are quite different from the pieces from Las Cruces, New Mexico in terms of habit and style, and for my money, they are more desirable since they are rarely available on the market. This piece is a beautiful small cabinet specimen featuring a brilliant radial spray comprising, bright metallic silvery colored "needles" of Pyrolusite measuring up to 3.5 cm long on host rock matrix. The back of the piece even features some smaller Pyrolusites as well for a nice touch. Very attractive, and a worthwhile example of this classic and scarce material from this open pit iron mine in Baraga County. I would put a value of about $500-$700 on this one in today's market. From the collection of Henry de Linde (March 21, 1923 – April 4, 2019) of Hot Spring, Arkansas. Henry was one of the most prominent figures in the history of Arkansas mining and mineral collecting. Along with being a miner, mineral collector and an amateur mineralogist, de Linde was one of the founders of the Coon Creek Association mineral club. He was the owner of several key localities in Arkansas including the Diamond Jo Quarry (on the south rim of Magnet Cove), the type locality for Delindeite, which was named in his honor in 1987.