3.1" Poldervaartite and Olmiite - N'Chwaning Mine, South Africa

This is an association of olmiite and poldervaartite on a manganese-rich matrix. The entire specimen measures 3.1" wide and was collected from the N'Chwaning Mine in the Kalahari Manganese Fields of Kuruman, Africa. Under shortwave UV, the crystals fluoresces a vibrant red-pink color.

About Poldervaartite

Poldervaartite is a calcium and manganese-based mineral, which features Ca as the dominant molecule. This is notable from its chemical formula, (Ca2,Mn)[SiO3(OH)](OH). This is very similar to olmiite, a manganese-dominant mineral with the chemical formula CaMn[SiO3(OH)](OH). Both are found in association with each other in a few known locations in South Africa, most commonly throughout the Kalahari Manganese Fields.

Poldervaartite tends to exhibit a peach color enshrouded in a transparent mineral sheath, while olmiite typically displays a deeper salmon color with little to no transparency, though this is all dependent on the environment and impurities present during formation.
SOLD
DETAILS
SPECIES
Poldervaartite & Olmiite
LOCATION
N'Chwaning Mine, Kalahari Manganese Fields, Kuruman, South Africa
SIZE
3.1 x 1.5"
ITEM
#169763