Ilvaite, Actinolite ps. Hedenbergite

China’s Huanggang mining complex in Inner Mongolia completely re-defined the mineral ilvaite around the year 2011 when a series of pockets of world-class crystals of this uncommon skarn mineral were encountered during mining activities for iron, tin and copper. For my taste, this is one of the most aesthetic and balanced examples I have seen from this find over a decade ago, featuring a “starburst” of large, undamaged, highly-lustrous black crystals to 10 cm radiating from a base of unusual actinolite after hedenbergite crystals. The “backside” is just as good as the front, and this outstanding specimen of this uncommon but aesthetic species measures 18 cm at its widest point. For an ilvaite this is just an awesome specimen in my opinion! Laszlo Kupi photo.