Romeite (Vanini Franco Coll.)

Item Description

Romeite group minerals are a member of the pyrochlore supergroup of chemically complex cubic oxides and occur in metamorphosed hydrothermal manganese deposits. Translucent amber crystals with a waxy luster to about 3 mm are richly scattered on four sides of the hefty matrix of massive manganese ore and quartz from this uncommon Swiss locale. The red arrow points toward a particularly isolated crystal cluster. Specimens of this richness and combination are seldom on the market. Ex Vanini Franco Collection.