Olmiite (very rare)

N'Chwaning II Mine, Kalahari manganese fields, Northern Cape Province, South Africa
Small Cabinet, 5.2 x 3.7 x 1.6 cm
Start Time: 04/23/2020 6:45:00 pm (CDT)
End Time: 04/30/2020 6:50:00 pm (CDT)
Auction Closed
Winning Bid: $360

Item Description

Without the specimens from the N'Chwaning Mines, most people would have no knowledge of the species Olmiite. This species, despite its noteworthy presence on the market for the past several years, is a remarkably rare species, only found in four mines in the world! The N'Chwaning specimens are iconic and world class, as collectors have seen exemplary representations of this gorgeous calcium manganese silicate. It's important to note that Olmiite has only been a valid species for just over 10 years, so it has to be one of the most significant discoveries in decades as most new species are often microscopic and not terribly colorful. Keep in mind that virtually all of these specimens were labeled as being Poldervaartite several years ago, which now is an exceptionally rare species. These specimens have a distinctive glowing reddish / orange / peach color with crystal that are anything but small! I think of these specimens the same way I do Pentagonite, which is to say that they are both incredibly rare and beautiful species with clearly eye-visible crystals, and finest specimens truly come from one place in the world. This piece features several excellent and showy groups of well-crystallized, gemmy, fiery pinkish-orange Olmiite on a slim layer of matrix. A very aesthetic small cabinet sized specimen. Fine quality and just beautiful. Priced in the inventory at $2,500.

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Bidding History

Bid Amount Bid Time
$360 04/30/2020 6:40:49 pm (CDT)
$350 04/30/2020 6:40:48 pm (CDT)
$321 04/30/2020 6:40:10 pm (CDT)
$311 04/30/2020 6:40:09 pm (CDT)
$289 04/30/2020 6:34:38 pm (CDT)
$279 04/30/2020 6:34:37 pm (CDT)
$259 04/30/2020 6:30:36 pm (CDT)
$249 04/30/2020 6:12:16 pm (CDT)