1.6" Pink Poldervaartite/Olmiite On Matrix - South Africa

This is an aggregation of Poldervaartite and Olmiite crystals on a Manganese rich matrix. In natural light, the crystals display a pinkish-brown color, while presenting a pinkish-salmon color under artificial light.

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 consist of a peach color enshrouded in a transparent mineral sheath, while olmiite typically exhibits a deeper salmon color, with little to no transparency depending on the specimen's manganese content. Olmiite also displays a deep red fluorescent color when placed under short-wave UV-light, whereas poldervaartite does not fluoresce.
SOLD
DETAILS
SPECIES
Poldervaartite/Olmiite
LOCATION
Kalahari Manganese Field, South Africa
SIZE
1.6x.8", Largest Crystal .24"
ITEM
#37750