Pyrolusite - well-formed crystals, vintage
stock #21.1-047-(JM-4339)
Ahmeek Mine, Ahmeek, Keweenaw County
Michigan,
United States
8.3 x 6.7 x 3.7 CM (cabinet)
price: $170
Early summer 2021
A choice old specimen of Pyrolusite from upper Michigan copper country. The old labels and documents all list this as an Akmeek Mine specimen, but Pyrolusite is not noted from that mine, although it does occur nearby. Our sources seem very certain this is actually from the Taylor Mine and a fine example from that locality, with typical matrix. We are listing this using the original label locality rather than change this attribution. Either way a choice piece with well-formed, shiny metallic crystals of what is usually a sooty black and ugly mineral. The crystals are protected in vugs on both sides of the matrix and up to 1.5 CM. From a classic region, these are some of the best of the specie from this zone. Ex Ernie Schlichter and John Marshall collection, also with an unattributed very old label.
A very old piece formerly from collections of Ara Dildalion and William Hladysz, but likely far older. The forms of the original Manganite crystals are very clearly seen are are up to 6.8 cm. The luster of the piece is overall a dull "sooty" black but some faces and terminations have a shiny black luster as well. This region is the source of the great classic Manganites that are especially sought after. This sort of pseudomorph is not especially pretty but they are rare and this one has especially good form
