Hausmannite - image 1
Hausmannite - image 2
Hausmannite - image 3
Hausmannite - image 4
Hausmannite - image 5
Hausmannite - image 6

Hausmannite

Unknown Owner
Help improve this recordNo owner is registered for this specimen yet. If it's yours or you know more about it, you can add the owner, provenance, publications and other details.
Sign in to contribute
This is a stunning, lustrous-as-you-can-imagine cluster of stacked, pseudo octahedral black hausmannite crystals, individually with edges to 2 cm in length. I especially like the apparent stepped growth and growth striations, like a pagoda, on this piece. Of course, that is a classic form for the species, but rare in practice in any size and quality. This piece, for the jet black color which reflects like a mirror, the sharpness, incredible luster, and wonderful aesthetics, is one of my favorite miniatures of the species I have seen (and I have seen many!). It probably dates from the 1980s. ex. Charlie Key collection. It is as competition-level in quality as you can get. Note that this is from older finds - new finds of the species at the Nchwaning mines generally lack this luster.

Product details

SizeMiniature
Dimensions4.2 x 3.5 x 3.0 cm
Added on10/23/2024

Known provenance

DateCollectorAcquisition price
08/2024Unknown OwnerNot disclosed
The ArkenstoneNot disclosed

Learn more

Mineral guide
Learn about Hausmannite
(Mn3O4): jet-black, metallic luster with sharp pseudo-octahedra. From South Africa’s Kalahari Manganese Field, prized for dramatic contrast.
Hausmannite
Regional guide
Hausmannite from Wessels Mine, South Africa
Wessels Mine: classic hausmannite crystals, jet-black, mirror-bright and pagoda-like, from a premier Kalahari manganese locality prized by collectors.