Description/Interesting Notes:
A rare and impressive example of a "manganese nodule" from the depths of the Pacific Ocean!!! Manganese nodules are
concretions comprised of various manganese and iron hydroxides deposited in concentric layers and exist throughout the
oceans' deep sea floors!!! Manganese nodules are unique and important for a number of reasons!!! Manganese nodules grow
at an extraordinarily slow rate - taking MILLIONS of years to grow just ONE centimeter!!! There are numerous complex
processes involved in their formation and, as a result, they have provided a wealth of scientific insights!!! For
instance, the mapping of the relative ages and compositions of manganese nodules has provided profound insights
into plate tectonics on the sea floor!!! Additionally, these nodules have been explored as a potential mining
resource - however this was ultimately determined to be unprofitable due to the high cost involved with their
recovery!!! Interestingly, manganese nodules were involved in a high profile CIA cover-up involving Howard Hughes
back in the 1970's!!! All of the interesting history aside - these unusual specimens are quite difficult to obtain
(especially considering where they come from and that there is no profitable reason to recover them at the moment)!!! This
specimen consists of a large, complete nodule!!! The specimen is dark black in color and exhibits characteristic form!!!
In person, upon close inspection one can even see how it was oriented on the
sea floor - with the more "knobby" side having been embedded in the seafloor while the somewhat more rounded side was exposed to the currents!!!
This specimen came out of an old collection and this is a very fine example indeed!!! Don't miss out on this very rare
opportunity!!! The pics hardly do it justice!!! Must be seen in person to be fully appreciated!!!
This specimen is from the collection of Tony Nikischer!!! We just acquired the 6000+ specimen PERSONAL collection of Tony Nikischer
and there are going to be some very exciting minerals to come in the upcoming days and weeks!!!
Good luck and be sure to check out my other exciting mineral auctions on ebay!!!
STAY TUNED!!! MORE AUCTIONS WILL BE ADDED SATURDAY NIGHT FOR A SPECIAL 5-DAY AUCTION, ENDING THURSDAY DECEMBER 27th!!!
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