If collecting such things Ilfeld manganites are one of the classic minerals a collection should have, and why 
on earth wouldn't you want a good one? Often grouped in massive bundles or as jumbled crystallization 
it is unusual to see a perfect spray and nearly impossible to find in larger sizes. Not easy to come by and 
a killer to boot! In fine condition. 

For a cast type mineral, these are very attractive! Its inner coating of tiny blood-red andradite garnets rimmed 
by opaque black gaudefroyites immediately tell its origin, for there is no place on planet earth where similar 
associations have been found, truly unique. Some say the original crystal is rhodochrosite, sounds sexy, but is 
unlikely and unheard of in such large xls from the Kalahari manganese field. A good guess would be calcite. 
In all this large sparkling colorful epimorph displays well given its complexity. A rarity from Africa.

Two reasons I zoomed in on this barite, first it has no major cracks, and second the luster is superb for a 
sulfate which tend to show frosted exteriors. Its lack of opacity allows light to easily pass through the entire 
prism. This is the only piece I picked from the lot, so you can imagine how pristine it is. Golden calcites 
add strong contrast instead of typical pale yellow to almost faint green coatings from the area. No damage 
at all, measures 6.7 x 5.3 cm in overall size. 

As the label states "one of the finest chondrodites from Palabora," for it is without question very fine, but how 
do we compare what is never and I mean never for sale! My own intuition is that the bright magnetites as 
an accessory mineral give it that extra boost. You can buy a plain one from recent finds, or snatch this 
classy piece up and have (as the photos show) a killer high-end rarity. Out of the few people who have seen 
it, all agree it is extraordinary. Main xl is 1 cm of fire-red transparency.

Highly developed and intricate crystals forming arborescent growth of tree-like appearance. This arrangement 
alone makes it worth purchasing! The majority of coppers are coarse by nature without any structure, basically 
heavy and chunky, but this is an extra special piece. Either side in the close-ups show its sharp crystallization.

China has produced an astounding number of minerals, yet diopside remains fairly rare in quantity, surfacing 
only twice on the international market. Uncharacteristic groves run somewhat parallel to the prism and are in 
my humble opinion very classy. To see through the prism, a lighter shade of mint green is beneficial exhibiting 
excellent dispersion. Additionally, its flawless in person and perfect for the collector of quality.

Cute thumbnail of gemmy orange sphalerites grew next to a larger chalcopyrite group measuring 2.3 
x 1.8 cm in overall size. Affordable thumb to add to the collection. In fine condition.