Detailed information
Species
Krettnichite, Manganite
Dimensions
35 x 48 x 20
mm
Weight
28 g
Locality
Krettnich, Wadern Merzig-Wadern Saarland, Germany
Condition
No recorded repairs
Krettnichite is an exceptionally rare lead manganese vanadate hydroxide confirmed from just two localities, one being Krettnich, Wadern, in Saarland, Germany after which it is named in 1998. As a species it forms distinctive bladed monoclinic crystals usually in intimate association with glossy black prismatic Manganite crystals. This superb miniature specimen from the remarkable systematic collection assembled by the brothers Martin and Michael Günther (1951-2007 & 1956-2021) is predominantly crystallized Manganite, whose glossy black crystals really catch the eye. However, look carefully, and you start to realize that amongst these are dull, dark grey-brown to black, spear-shaped bladed monoclinic Krettnichite microcrystals.