*** All information about the metaphysical properties of the listings on this site is for reference only and is to be understood in this context. It is based on research of opinions and beliefs from different cultures today and throughout history and my own personal beliefs.The information is not to be taken as a replacement for a medical examination, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical advice, please consult a healthcare professional. ***

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This specimen weighs 104g and measures 6cm x 3.5cm x 2.5cm and has some white Dolomite on one side. However one of the main attractions from my point of view, apart from the material itself, is the two perfect miniature Quartz Points in perfect condition growing from one side. They are easy to miss at a quick glance because of their size and their superb clarity, but once you see them you will be impressed by them for sure.

This material is commonly mistaken by people as a form of Schorl - (Black Tourmaline), however, this is the much rarer mineral known as Ilvaite. It is valued as a mineral specimen by collectors due to its distinctive crystal habit and relative rarity. This specimen was sourced from the No. 1 Mine, Huanggang Fe-Sn deposit, Hexigten Banner, Chifeng City, Inner Mongolia, China.

The name Ilvaite is derived from ‘Ilva’, the old latin name of Elba Island, on which the co-type localites are situated. ilvaite, (a sorosilicate) is a mineral consisting of a basic silicate of iron and calcium, typically occurring as black prisms. It is the ferrous iron analogue of manganilvaite and a member of the Lawsonite Group. \n\nThe history of the name of ilvaite is complex it was probably first observed in 1784 by the french geologist Déodat de Dolomieu (1750-1801) during his voyage to the Elba Island, Italy.

But it was first published, described and named in 1807 by the French mineralogist Claude-Hugues Leliévre (28 june 1752, Paris, France -18 october 1835). He named it as yenite, in memory of the battle at Jena (in today’s Germany) 14 October 1806. The battle was between the forces of Napoleon I of France and Frederick William III of Prussia.

The name should have been written Jenite, but according to Leliévre he changed it to Yenite, to avoid confusions with the pronunciation. The name was however criticized in the science community.

Later the German/Danish-Norwegian philosopher and mineralogist Henrik Steffens (2 May 1773 Stavanger, Denmark-Norway - 13 February 1845 Berlin, Germany) in his Vollständiges Handbuch der Oryktgnosie (1811) introduced the name Ilvaite.

In appearance and feel, Ilvaite would compare to an extremely high-quality piece of Black Tourmaline. Almost as if 2 specimens of Tourmaline were to merge - it is very dense, very black and looks as though it is made of thousands of perfectly straight, black blades.

When held, it feels strong, heavy and almost like a tool or device. Ilvaite has an air of mystery and importance about it - almost otherworldly.\n\nIlvaite has special electric and magnetic properties that make it valuable to scientists as well as mineral collectors. There are many scientific studies and papers discussing Ilvaite; it is of interest to physicists and quantum physicists because it has a unique arrangement of differing Fe(iron) molecules.

Ilvaite occurrences are somewhat rare, or rather, finding quality specimens is rare. Ilvaite can form in solid masses but specimens occur singularly, embedded within other massive deposits, appearing at the boundary between different types of minerals.\n\nIlvaite can help us appreciate our uniqueness among all things. Often we associate mediation or spirituality with trying to ‘become one’, but a focus on the reverse can be equally as enlightening. A certain sense of wonder can arise when recognising the special energy of each thing around us, and of ourselves in the moment.