Tantalite-(Mn) (RARE for the locality) (ex Bill Larson Collection)

Item Description

An incredibly rare (for the locality) specimen of Tantalite-(Mn) (formerly Manganotantalite) from the famous Himalaya Mine. The more famous Tantalite species from this locality is Stibiotantalite, and this honestly might be the first Tantalite-(Mn) that we've had to offer in the auctions from this mine. This miniature sized piece is sharp, well-formed, fairly thick, prismatic crystal of dark reddish-black Tantalite-(Mn), free of matrix. The piece is not complete, as it's contacted on the right edge and on the back, but if you're a fan of San Diego County minerals or specifically material from the Himalaya Mine, this is a must have piece, as you may not see another one offered for a long time. From the collection of Bill Larson of Fallbrook, California, but it was originally part of the collection of Bill's mentor Josie Scripps and was also in collection of Bill Magee. For reference, Bill Larson is a well-known gem and mineral dealer as well as a miner and collector. Bill is synonymous with minerals of San Diego County, and owned and operated famous mines such as the Stewart Lithia, the Tourmaline Queen, the Pala Chief and the Himalaya, producing some of the most iconic mineral specimens to come out of the area during the 1970s-1980s. You can read his biography at https://mineralogicalrecord.com/biographies_labels/larsonwilliam-f/