Description: Rare 2 formation of salmon colored Poldervaartites-Olmiites on Matrix, N’Chwaning Mine, Kalahari Manganese Fields, North Cape Prov, South Africa, 3.6 x 1.6 x 3 cm A rare 2 formation of salmon colored Poldervaartite-Olmiite crystals. A ball of beautifully formed crystal ball nicely perched on manganese oxide matrix. The crystal ball composed of aggregate sheaves of poldervaartite crystals is 1 x 1 x 0.7 cm and a rare block of gemmy 6 x 4 mm crystal attached to it. Surrounding the Poldervaartites are sparkling transparent calcite crystals. Description: - Source: N'Chwaning Mine, Kalahari Manganese Fields, North Cape Province, South Africa - Size: approx 3.6 x 1.6 x 3 cm Crystal Ball size approx 1 x 1 x 0.7 cm Crystal Block size approx 6 x 4 x 3 mm - Type: This specimen was acquired from a mineral vendor back in 2005 and was originally identified as Poldervaartite, but may likely be Olmiite. See “Specimen Background Information for details” - Condition: On Display cabinet only. Some very minor blemish but does distract from the beauty of this crystal. Specimen Background information: Poldervaartite is an extremely rare mineral that was discovered in 1992 at the Wessels mine, Hotazel, Kalahari manganese fields, Northern Cape Province, South Africa. Wessels mine and N’Chwaning Mine, both at the Kalahari manganese fields, are still the only known sources of Poldervaartite. was named to honor Arie Poldervaart (1918-1964), who was a Professor of Petrology at Columbia University, New York City, New York, USA. Poldervaartite is composed of calcium manganese silicate hydroxide, with more of a calcium (CA) dominance. It has an Orthorhombic crystal structure. Crystals are prismatic as well as aggregates in sheaves and they can be transparent to translucent. Colors range from colorless to milky white, to different variations of pink tones. It is important to note that a relatively new mineral, Olmiite, has been discovered in 2006, also in the Kalahari Manganese Field of South Africa. This mineral is very closely related to Poldervaartite, being differentiated only by the percentage of Calcium (CA) verses Manganese (Mn) contained. Specimens with Mn dominance are Olmiite and those with Ca dominance are Poldervaartite. Olmiite is named after Filippo Olmi, an Italian mineralogist from Florence, Italy. Note: **All specimens are taken in natural and regular lighting only, both indoor and outdoor . The beauty of this specimen with its natural unique surface texture, form, shape, structure and color can only be fully appreciated in person, which can be difficult to capture in its entirety on camera. Color may be a little different due to the color calibration of each individual monitor or light levels. **As with all genuine mineral specimens, there may be natural occurring inclusions, formations, and impressions, including abrasions and cleaved crystals on the surface and edges due to the excavation process and duration. We have posted close up pictures at all angles for your viewing pleasure in this listing, to show you the fine details, shape, color, form, structure, and overall beauty of this fine specimen. **We will only ship to the 48 contiguous U.S. states (No International). **All orders ship within 3-5 business days after receiving cleared payment. Returns accepted ONLY if item is not as described or shown and must be in the condition it was received. A 10% re-stocking fee will be charged. All returns must be made within 7 calendar days upon receipt of item and buyer pays for return shipping. No returns or refunds are accepted after this time period. All returns must be in original packaging and shipped with Tracking. Please provide shipping info –shipper, tracking number - to us when package is sent back. Feel free to contact us should you have any questions. Please also visit our other listings. Thank you for stopping by and do come back again.
Price: 31.99 USD
Location: Sacramento, California
End Time: 2024-09-12T04:20:01.000Z
Shipping Cost: 4.99 USD
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Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 14 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Shape: Natural
Country/Region of Manufacture: South Africa
Modified Item: No