Magnetite with Helvine
Unknown Owner
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This fine miniature is composed of a cluster of incredibly well-formed textbook-shaped Magnetite crystals, complemented by several tiny Helvine crystals that add both color and mineral interest to the piece. The dominant Magnetite is a modified dodecahedron, and perhaps the most outstanding features of the Magnetites, in addition to the very good metallic luster, are the uniform striations that cover every face. I immediately think 'garnets' when looking at both the habit and the striations, and really, they totally look like the grooves on a record. Crazy! One of the best Magnetites I have seen from Huanggang for combination of crystal size, form, and simple aesthetics. It looks like a steroid-sized-up version of the old material from the 1800's, from Pennsylvania - and if one of those old classics existed that looked like this, it would be a 6 figure piece and in the Smithsonian by now. This, for China or anywhere, is simply remarkable.
Product details
SpeciesMagnetite
SizeMiniature
Dimensions4.6 x 4.3 x 3.3 cm
Added on10/23/2024
LocalityChina, Inner Mongolia, Huanggang Mine
Known provenance
| Date | Collector | Acquisition price |
|---|---|---|
| 08/2024 | Unknown Owner | Not disclosed |
| — | The Arkenstone | Not disclosed |
Learn more
Mineral guide
Learn about Magnetite
iconic magnetic iron oxide with crisp octahedral crystals, mirror luster on matrix, and coveted Huanggang (Inner Mongolia) specimens for collectors
Regional guide
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