bb: Olmiite - Red-Fluorescent Spheres from Kalahari, South Africa

Description

NOTE:
Postal delays caused by the pandemic are affecting
delivery of parcels. In the USA, most delays are minimal. Shipping to other countries is currently taking at least several days to a week or more longer than usual. Please keep this in mind while bidding.
Species:
Olmiite, unknown manganese oxides
Locality:
N'Chwaning II Mine, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese field, Northern Cape, South Africa
Size:
Miniature/small cabinet - 5.0 x 3.6 x 2.6 cm
Weight:
36.1 g
Number:
2501
Details:
This is a real beauty! Lustrous, sparkly balls of radially diverging olmiite crystals wander over a dark matrix of manganese oxides. They glow a luscious saturated red under longwave UV and a very slightly orange-toned red under shortwave. Olmiite and its series-mate poldervaartite are very rare and sought-after mineral species, only found in the Kalahari manganese field, one of the world's most unique mineral localities. I just stumbled across two of these specimens; better grab this one, because I'm keeping the other!
NOTE: TO VIEW FLUORESCENCE, YOU NEED A QUALITY ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT WITH A UV FILTER!
The better the UV source, the better fluorescent minerals look. Cheap "UV" flashlights without filters will not provide satisfactory results!
The photos here are taken using Convoy S2 and C8 (longwave-365)
and UV Systems SuperBright II (shortwave-254) lamps, metered
and exposed to show fluorescent response to best advantage.
Key factors include lamp wattage, UV spectrum and filtration, as well as distance from lamp to specimen. For best results with any UV source, observe against a dark, non-fluorescent, non-reflective background, in complete darkness with eyes adapted. For extended viewing, use protective UV-absorbing goggles.
° ° ° ° °  PLEASE READ BEFORE BIDDING  ° ° ° ° °
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INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMERS:
* US Post Office policy can make economical shipping a challenge. Price increments for packages are as follows:
First class up to 225 g, then 225-900 g, then 900-1350 g (Canada only).
Higher weights require Priority Mail.
I always try to make shipping as cost-effective as possible. Please send a message so we can work things out.
* Please note that import duties, taxes or charges are not included in the item price or shipping fees and are the
buyer’s
responsibility.
While most countries do not charge duty on mineral specimens, you should check in
your own co
untry to be sure before bidding.