*** 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 piece weighs 60g and measures 5cm x 4cm x 2.5cm.

This particular material is also Lithiophorite/Cryptomelane but with a thin coating of iridescent Goethite from the Little Baron Opencut, (which forms part of the Iron Baron Opencut), Middleback Ranges, South Australia, Australia. The formation of this material is quite different to the Botryoidal Stalactite formations that were found in the Iron Princess Quarry.

Iridescent Goethite is also sometimes named as Hydrohematite or Turgite, although both of these terms are discouraged by the bulk of the mineralogical community.

I would also like to refer to an old saying with relation to this material and unfortunately many others on the market these days. “If it looks to good to be true then it probably is”, sadly so much material is ‘enhanced’, (I use this term very loosely as I personally don’t believe Mother Nature’s creations need to be tampered with). This makes them more ‘marketable’ in today’s and then sold for a premium price. There are many, many examples of this and people pay top dollar for heat treated Amethyst Clusters sold as Citrine, or dyed Agates from Madagascar sold as Sardonyx. This material is 100% natural and untreated in any way.

Sorry for the rant :).

The Middleback Range iron ore deposits on the Gawler Craton of South Australia some 25 to 40 km to the west of the steel furnaces of the port of Whyalla on the east coast of Eyre Peninsular, ~230 km NNW of Adelaide. There is extensive mining operations in the ranges, including :- Iron Knob, Iron Monarch, Iron Prince, Iron Princess, Iron Baron, Iron Queen, Cavalier, Iron Chieftain, Iron Duke, Iron Duchess, South Duchess and Iron Magnet.

Iridescent Goethite is a rare variety of Goethite and Hematite that crystallizes in the form of masses, botryoidal, and stalactite. It was originally discovered in the Turjinstii Mine in Russia by R. Hermann in 1844-1845 and was named Turgite after the mine in which it was found. The colourful rainbow within Iridescent Goethite comes from the mixture of Hematite & Goethite on the surface, creating a thin layer that interferes with light. This mineral can only be found in a few deposits around the world.

Iridescent Goethite is a very potent grounding crystal that activates the root chakra, leading you to have a better understanding of yourself. This stone slows down your environment aiding you in living in the present moment. The Iron within this mineral helps you activate your gut intuition causing you to lead with your purest of intentions. Iridescent Goethite is a great crystal to carry with you each day or meditate with after a physically or emotionally taxing day.

Lithiophorite and Cryptomelane are often found together in deposits, along with other manganese oxides like braunite. X-ray diffraction spectra are required to identify lithiophorite with certainty.

Lithiophorite:-

Lithiophorite is an oxide of Manganese, Aluminium and Lithium, (the latter does not seem to be an essential component). It is an essential constituent of "wad" or "psilomelanes", these black oxides which stain the fingers that we encounter in the supergene oxidation zone of Manganese deposits, various manganiferous hydrothermal deposits (gold, lead, silver ...), sometimes Banded Iron Formations and certain Phosphate Pegmatites.

Lithiophorite is also a major component of certain lateritic soils. In its deposits, it is associated with numerous other Manganese oxides (Cryptmelane, Braunite etc...) and its rigorous identification requires the use of X-Ray diffraction spectra Its name derives from its chemical composition (lithium) and Greek pherein (to show). Lithiophorite very rarely occurs in hexagonal crystals ; it rather forms finely grained botryoidal masses, in scales or dendites, from a bluish black to a matt black. It is locally an important Manganese Ore.

Cryptomelane:-

From the Greek for hidden and black, because this mineral was difficult to identify among the other Manganese Oxides, which are also black. Cryptomelane is one of the manganiferous products designated under the generic name Psilomelane. This is “Psilomelane potassium”, potassium can be very partially replaced by other elements, notably Thallium. It is found in the superficial parts of rocks and manganiferous deposits. Its name is derived from the Greek kruptos (hidden) and melanos(black) because this mineral was difficult to identify among the other Manganese oxides, also black. Cryptomelane usually occurs in earthy or compact masses, steel grey blue to black, staining the fingers. Like most Cryptocrystalline Manganese minerals, it tends to evolve into well-crystallized species (Pyrolusite and Magnetite).