Manganese Biominerals (Todorokite, Romanechite, Birnessite)

Item Description

These minerals form odd groups of mixed species, and are the subject of a number of research projects at the moment regarding how they form. Chesapeake biominerals, including Hollandite, Todorokite, Romanechite, Birnessite, and other unusual manganese and iron species, form when metal-rich subsurface waters emerge from the face of the cliffs along the western shore of Chesapeake Bay. Microbes exploit the chemical richness of the waters by oxidizing the metals and precipitating minerals in beautifully sculpted masses. The resulting specimens containing mixed amounts of these related species, such as this you see here, are among the finest examples of their style anywhere in the world and are unique in their aesthetic appeal and scientific interest. Obtained from laboratory research projects, these specimens are now few and hard to come by. An interesting oddity! This is one of the largest such specimens we obtained in a lot, about 2016.