Manganite

Impressive manganite crystals on matrix from the classic locality of Ilfeld, Harz Mountains, Thuringia, Germany. The specimen is dominated by dense aggregates of elongated, prismatic to bladed manganite crystals with a metallic black to steel-grey luster. The crystals show strong parallel growth and locally well-developed terminations. Intergrown among the manganite are white to colourless baryte crystals, providing strong visual contrast.

Manganite is a manganese oxyhydroxide belonging to the oxide and hydroxide mineral group. Ilfeld is one of the world’s most famous historic localities for manganite, renowned since the 18th and 19th centuries for producing exceptionally well-crystallized specimens that served as reference material for the species.

The manganite at Ilfeld formed in hydrothermal veins and fissures within manganese-rich deposits, where oxidation processes led to the crystallization of manganite as a secondary mineral. Baryte is a frequent and well-documented associated mineral at this locality, commonly occurring alongside manganite, pyrolusite, and other manganese oxides.

Most classic Ilfeld specimens were collected during the historic mining period, mainly in the 18th and 19th centuries, and material from this locality is no longer produced in significant quantities. Well-preserved cabinet-sized examples are therefore highly sought after by systematic and historic locality collectors.

Manganite is stable under normal collection conditions, though specimens should be handled with care due to the brittle nature of the crystals.