Tephroite

This tephroite specimen from the Wessels Mine in the Northern Cape Province, South Africa, is a noteworthy example of a less common mineral from this locality. Tephroite, a manganese-rich member of the olivine group, typically forms as dense masses within vug walls rather than as well-developed crystals. Here, the fractured crystals reveal a gemmy, glassy interior, offering a glimpse into its transparency and reflective qualities. There are many crystals prisms (to 4mm) tucked away in a vug, much of the sample is massive.

The Wessels Mine, located near Hotazel, began operations in May 1973 and is primarily an underground manganese mine, reaching depths of around 300 meters. The mine’s hydrothermal alteration processes, particularly within the manganese ore, have led to the crystallization of an impressive variety of minerals. Access to the mine’s mineral-rich zones is achieved through a vertical shaft and incline shafts, with extraction done via a mechanized room-and-pillar method, optimized for the orebody’s structure. The tephroite found here is part of the mine’s mineralogical diversity, showcasing Wessels as a notable source for rare and unique mineral specimens.