Manganite (classic material) (ex Irv Brown Collection)

Ilfeld, Nordhausen, Harz, Thuringia, Germany (Type Locality)
Thumbnail, 1.8 x 1.6 x 0.8 cm
Start Time: 03/26/2019 7:00:00 pm (CDT)
End Time: 04/09/2019 7:00:00 pm (CDT)
Auction Closed

Item Description

From the type locality for the species, this is a lovely thumbnail specimen of these world famous Manganites. Despite the fact that this species has been known for nearly 200 years, and has been found in hundreds of localities, the pieces from Ilfeld are still the standard for the species. The localiy is long defunct, and collectors still hunt for specimens as they appear on the market from old collections. Ilfeld Manganites are instantly recognizable with their beautiful heavily straited prismatic form and glistening luster. Here we have a fine thumbnail of this beloved material featuring a pair of classic, sharp, well-formed, jet-black colored prisms with the iconic "stepped" terminations free of matrix. I cannot see any damage of note, save the base where the piece was removed from the pocket wall. Very good quality. It's not easy to obtain fine thumbnails of Manganite from Ilfeld, so if you collect German species, old classics or "black" rocks, don't miss out on this one. Valued in our inventory at $350.

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