Olmiite (rare and good quality)

N'Chwaning II Mine, Kalahari manganese fields, Northern Cape Province, South Africa
Small Cabinet, 5.3 x 3.4 x 3.2 cm
Start Time: 06/06/2019 6:45:00 pm (CDT)
End Time: 06/13/2019 6:45:00 pm (CDT)
Auction Closed

Item Description

I've made the comparison previously, but I think it's important to repeat. I view a rare species like Olmiite the same way as I think of Cavansite and Pentagonite. It wasn't until recently that the best examples of these species were on the market, and they are only found in such quantity and quality from one place in the world respectively. I think it's safe to say that without the N'Chwaning Mines, nearly all collectors would be unaware of Olmiite as a species, and the same can be said of Cavansite / Pentagonite from India. Despite the fact that you have large specimens of a colorful species, Olmiite is still incredibly RARE. Simply put, the best pieces of Olmiite from the N'Chwaning Mines are world-class in terms of crystal size, luster, color and gemminess. Additionally, it's important to note that Olmiite has only been known for a short time, as it was approved as a species in 2006. This in and of itself is noteworthy as the vast majority of new species are small (often microscopic) not colorful like Olmiite. It's not to say that the species wasn't noticed originally, because if you remember nearly every Olmiite that came out around 15 years ago was originally labeled as Poldervaartite. This particular specimen features a very good sized, radial group of crystallized Olmiite comprising sharp, well-formed, lustrous individual crystals. The main "ball" measures 4.2 cm across and is accompanied by a few smaller Olmiite "balls" plus a bit of Calcite. The color of the specimen is BETTER IN PERSON as it looks a bit washed out in the photos, please keep this in mind when bidding. No real damage that I can see, and the main Olmiite "ball" looks beautiful when backlit, with a strong reddish-orange internal hue. Lastly, you can see that both the Olmiite and Calcite both fluoresce beautifully under SW UV light! Priced in the inventory at $1,250.

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