Manganite

Manganite is one of those species you normally dismiss as "trophy worthy," but these old finds from the late 1800s, in Germany, really set their own standard. To this day, in fact, they remain by far the best examples of the species, and the most desirable to collectors (see Bancroft's book Gem & Crystal Treasures for more on this famous find of the late 1880s). This dramatic display specimen has a straight-up crystal of about 3 cm, and provides a superb quality for the price in that it is both rich and aesthetic, and most such examples are priced quite higher. Comes with an old late 1800s or early 1900s handwritten antique label, on which was overwritten the date 1948 by a previous collector. I hav eseen and sold many manganites of this style and, for a price point under $10,000, this is one of my overall favorites for both style and pricing.