Ilmenite

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The Froland pegmatite district is an area that extends in a narrow strip inland from near Arendal. Famous for having produced some of the world's largest Ilmenite crystals, most of these came from a now infilled quarry at Åmdal but it should be stated that this specimen is not provenanced beyond the district level. Small cabinet in size, this specimen is really fine in that the quite large (up to 2.6 cm across), and well-defined Ilmenite crystals, are sat nicely as a freestanding display on matrix. Matrix specimens are much rarer than loose crystals and display-worthy attractive Ilmenite specimens are even rarer still. Allied to this, the Ilmenite crystals are quite bright and glossy metallic grey, when often the crystals are black with a poor lustre. The crystals also show intricate stepping to their edges when viewed close up. Ex the superb systematic collection assembled by brothers Martin and Michael Günther (1951-2007 & 1956-2021) it comes with an early typed label from their collection. It does not sit naturally upright, but with support it presents very well indeed.