Tantalite-(Mn)

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The sheer size of this Tantalite-(Mn) crystal is remarkable, but then look at its shape - it is so perfect too! This is perhaps not what you might expect from the famous gem-bearing Mawi Pegmatite in Nuristan Province, Afghanistan, but occasionally Tantalite-(Mn) crystals are seen there. Some display the classic reddish-brown internal reflections, however, most are small. This crystal is exceptional, but not in terms of its internal colour. Relatively flat, it is tabular plate, but it is its perfection in shape which really sets it apart. It is mounted upright for display on a small acryllic block. It is from the superb systematic collection assembled by the brothers Martin and Michael Günther (1951-2007 & 1956-2021).