Olmiite (rare)

Item Description

Olmiite, 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 specimens from the N'Chwaning are iconic and world-class, as have found their way into collections around the world. Without the specimens from the N'Chwaning Mines, most people would have no knowledge of this gorgeous calcium manganese silicate. It's important to note that Olmiite has only been a valid species since 2007, 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. I tend to compare Olmiite to minerals like Cavansite or Pentagonite, which is to say that they are both incredibly rare and beautiful mineral with clearly eye-visible crystals, and finest specimens truly come from one place in the world. This piece features a handful of gentle beige colored groups of well-crystallized Olmiite associated with white Oyelite and sparkling colorless "jewel"-like crystals of Calcite on matrix. The largest Olmiite group measures 2.4 cm across. A very aesthetic small cabinet sized specimen. Fine quality and just beautiful. From the collection of Jelani Daniel by way of the Uli Bahmann collection.