Large Manganoan Dolomite and Quartz (Paul Bembia Coll)

Item Description

Striking large sharp pretty pink, pearlescent, stepped-growth/nubby, manganoan dolomite rhombs are dramatically clustered on both sides of the impressive large sculptural matrix of sprays of glassy quartz points from recent finds at the recently reopened Trepca Stari Trg Mine of the historic Trepca Complex. The stunning large rhombs reach 8.0 cm on the diagonal. Scattered patches of iridescent metallic chalcopyrite microcrystals and a few hard-to-see clear, small, colorless, glassy, calcite rhombs are a fine accent and complement. Essentially pristine, with only trivial bruising to the dolomite rhombs and the quartz crystals, considering the size and richness of the piece. See the 2007 Mineralogical Record article in Vol. 38, No. 4. Mass is a hefty 5.3 kilos or 11.7 pounds. Ex Paul Bembia Collection. The specimen was sold to Paul by a Kosovo dealer as Manganoan Calcite but is in fact a really really great dolomite from the locale! Comparison with Dolomite and Calcite specimens illustrated in the MINDAT Photo Gallery for Trepca pieces indicates these are Dolomite rhombs and not Calcite. This is a museum-sized, VERY high quality dolomite and quartz combination from Trepca with multiple display views.