Tephroite - image 1

Tephroite

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So rarely does the manganese silicate mineral Tephroite form crystals most collectors would struggle to describe their form. That makes this fine miniature specimen from the famous Wessels mine at Hotazel in the Kalahari Manganese Field all the more special. Remarkably, it is not from a collector in South Africa, but the stunning systematic collection assembled by brothers Martin and Michael Günther (1951-2007 & 1956-2021) showing that it was considered by them to be a superb example of this unusual species. Even at Wessels mine, crystals are rare. This piece features slightly rounded bladed crystals to 1.2 cm in length of a clove-brown colour, but with paler surfaces. It is very different to the only other source of significant crystals - that at the Type Locality at Sterling mine, Franklin, New Jersey.

Product details

SpeciesTephroite
SizeMiniature
Dimensions4.4 x 3.2 x 2.4 cm
Added on05/03/2025
Current owner
Unknown Owner
Acquired
Jul 2026
Price paid
$1,750.00
Previous owners
DateCollectorAcquisition price
—Crystal ClassicsNot disclosed

Learn more

Tephroite
Mineral guide
Learn about Tephroite
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Tephroite
Regional guide
Tephroite from Wessels Mine
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Locality guide
Wessels Mine
A collector's guide to Wessels Mine, South Africa: its geology, mining history and notable minerals, illustrated with the 578 specimens documented from this locality on EarthWonders.