Hausmannite, Andradite xls; N'Chwaning II Mine, Kalahari Manganese Field, South Africa; Min; unique piece
Hausmannite and Andradite crystals from the N'Chwaning II Mine, Kalahari Manganese Field, South Africa – miniature specimen as unique piece
This miniature specimen with Hausmannite and Andradite crystals from the N'Chwaning II Mine, Kalahari Manganese Field, South Africa was collected in 1997. The specimen displays numerous deep black Hausmannite crystals with a strong metallic luster, developed on a reddish manganese rich matrix.
The Hausmannite crystals appear mostly as sharp, well formed crystals with very lustrous faces. Small Andradite crystals occur locally between the dark crystals, creating an additional mineralogical contrast within the specimen. The combination of glossy black Hausmannite crystals and the reddish matrix gives the piece a very characteristic appearance of this famous manganese deposit.
Geology & Origin
The N'Chwaning II Mine in the Kalahari Manganese Field is one of the most important localities worldwide for manganese minerals. The deposit formed in highly manganese rich sedimentary rocks that were later modified by hydrothermal processes. Hausmannite is a typical oxide mineral from this locality and often forms well developed crystals. Andradite, a calcium iron garnet, can also occur in the mineral rich cavities of this deposit where it forms small but well defined crystals.
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) | embedded 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 |
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