Elongated and stacked botryoidal columns of romanechite are gracefully arranged in this unique piece from the manganese deposits in Cartegena, Spain. Each of the satiny, charcoal gray columns has a unique, stacked, almost hemispherical form with the terminal hemispheres or partial spheres exhibiting a subtle, fan-like appearance. Romanechite is a hydrated barium manganese oxide and isn't uncommon; however, crystallization in forms this dramatic are rare! Very sculptural, unique and naturally artistic. From an old collection.
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