Schizolite from South Africa, Northern Cape, Wessels Mine

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Schizolite

Wessels Mine, Hotazel, KMF, Northern Cape, South Africa

2.7 x 1.8 x 1.6 cm

ex. Alex Schauss, Tomek Praszkier

Normally not recognized as a particularly aesthetic mineral, a limited find ( possibly two pockets) at Wessels, resulted in some of the finest specimens of this rare mineral. According to both Sussman (who brought this pocket to market) and Schauss: This crystal is currently considered to be perhaps the best stereotypical large crystal of Schizolite from the best (by far) of only two major pockets discovered in the early 2000s;. Based on appearance, this mineral was misidentified several times, recognized as a new mineral, then rescinded by the IMA after analysis showed it to be Schizolite.

The largest crystal measures approx 1.8 cm, is sharp, possesses a somewhat vitreous luster, and is translucent. A beautiful find from the Kalahari Manganese Fields.