Sturmanite

Item Description

The amazing N’Chwaning II mine, has produced incredible species over the years as it is dug deeper, and zone after zone yields finds with subtle differences. This lustrous bright yellow single crystal is from the oldest finds of this material in the early 1980s, and this quality has not been seen since. It is robust dramatic, and amazing for the combination of shape and lemon peel yellow color! From Rob Smith (Germiston, South Africa, August 1983, with receipt). It came with a label by Rob that said: from the “First Discovery mine.” There is no such mine and probably related to N’Chwaning as the first place these specimens came from. Also, some have said it came from the “Black Rock mine” which again does not exist. Rather it is the village that houses staff who work at the N’Chwaning mine. The specimen was from the miner who I assisted in bringing some 20 flats of Ettringite, Sturmanite, etc., up the stairs from his car to the 2nd floor store." Exhibition: One of the 35 displayed specimens that won the 1989 Ed McDole Trophy, for Best Mineral Case in Competition at the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show. Valued $2500-plus. A major specimen, with the original owner who bought it when they came out 40 years ago, and hard to replace today.