Pyrolusite in Quartz Geode

Item Description

This piece is labeled as coming from a place called "Tichka", Morocco, but I can't find an entry for this locality in any database, so I'm not entirely sure where it was found. What I can say is that it does not resemble the better-known Pyrolusites from the Imini Mine, as the style and matrix is completely different. This piece features excellent, brilliant, jet-black, "needles" of Pyrolusite which are largely coating the interior of an exposed Quartz geode. The piece was cracked open to reveal the beautiful little crystals inside, which have a highly glossy luster, and are best seen up close to truly appreciate their quality. A really rare locality specimen that would make a great addition to any Moroccan mineral suite. From the collection of William ("Bill") (1927-2006) and Anne (1928-2021) Cook of Cleveland, Ohio (#3629). This husband and wife duo were actively involved in the mineral world for many decades. Bill was a PhD geologist, and Anne was a mathematician, and they both were very serious mineral collectors. Bill served for many years as adjunct curator of mineralogy at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, and Anne was inducted into the Micromounters' Hall of Fame on October 12, 2019. Both Bill and Anne, at various times, served as president both of the Mineralogical Society of Cleveland and of the Micromineral Society of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, and Anne was inducted into the mi The rare barium lithium beryllium phosphate Wilancookite was named in their honor in 2015.