Bultfonteinite xls; N'Chwaning Mine, Kuruman, South Africa; Min; unique piece
Bultfonteinite crystals from N'Chwaning Mine, Kuruman, South Africa – miniature specimen as unique piece
This miniature specimen features Bultfonteinite crystals from the famous N’Chwaning Mine near Kuruman in South Africa. The piece shows a dark, almost black-grey matrix combined with intense orange-brown surface coatings typical of secondary calcium halide minerals from this locality. In the finely structured areas, matte to slightly lustrous crystalline zones of Bultfonteinite appear, standing out clearly against the darker base. The strong color contrasts and the compact crystalline aggregates give the specimen a striking and highly collectible appearance.
Geology & Origin
The N’Chwaning Mine is renowned worldwide for its exceptional diversity and quality of manganese-bearing minerals. Bultfonteinite forms within the oxidation zones of carbonate- and manganese-rich ore bodies when chloride-bearing fluids interact with calcium-rich areas. Due to the complex geochemical environment required, this mineral occurs only in relatively small quantities. This specimen displays the typical Kuruman contrast of dark matrix and vivid surface coloration in an especially representative form.
This table is for general information and orientation, although the sizes of the stones may vary. In addition, this specification is handled differently from region to region.
| Sizes | Description | approx. Sizes in mm/cm | approx. Sizes in INCH | |
| Capsule | Capsule | 0.1–0.5 mm in a transparent hard capsule (approx. 1 cm) | capsule contents 0.1–0.5 mm | capsule contents 0.004–0.02 in |
| TN/mm | Micromount (TN = Thumbnail) | everything fitting in a TN Perky box or a MM box of approx. 1 in | approx. 0.5–2.5 cm | max. 1 in |
| Min | Miniature specimen | will not fit a TN or MM box anymore | approx. 2.5–5 cm | approx. 0.2–1.0 in |
| Scab | small cabinet specimen | approx. one-third to half a hand size | approx. 5–9 cm | approx. 1.0–2.0 in |
| Cab | cabinet specimen | full hand size | approx. 9–15 cm | approx. 2.0–3.5 in |
| large Cab | large cabinet specimen | approx. two hand sizes | approx. 15–30 cm | approx. 3.5–6.0 in |
| very large Cab | very large cabinet specimen | everything larger, no upper limit |
Abbreviations commonly used in mineralogy.
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
| xl | single crystal, possible with matrix |
| xls | noticeable crystals |
| (xl) | embedded or damaged |
| (xls) | embeddet or damaged |
| MASS | massive and/or amorphous pieces |
| TYP | type locality of the original description |
| SWUV | shortwave-UV-reaction |
| UV | ultraviolet reaction |
| SC | self-collected |
| U | unique (single unique piece) |
Usage Instructions
This product is ideal as a collector's item, decorative element, teaching material, or for scientific and exhibition purposes.
Legal Notices
Safety
We accept no liability for damages resulting from improper and/or non-recommended use. Please carefully assess the suitability of the product before any alternative use.
Responsible Provider
Mikon Mineralienkontor GmbH
Steinslieth 11
D-37130 Gleichen OT Klein Lengden
Email: info@mikon-online.com
| shipment-weight, NOT netto weight (kg) | 0.080000 |
|---|