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!!! One can see that the more knobby side was embedded in the seafloor while the 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!!!
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 SEPTEMBER 13th!!!
|
|
