Pyrolusite and Dolomite, Ontario, Canada
Pyrolusite and Dolomite, Ontario, Canada
Description
These specimens show pyrolusite's classic dark steel-grey to black metallic habit. Fine botryoidal crusts and radiating in stalactitic growths, intergrown with dolomite, which appears as a paler cream-to-white, pearly-lustered carbonate matrix, forming its own small rhombohedral, saddle-shaped crystals alongside the manganese oxide. The contrast between the dull-metallic dark pyrolusite and the soft white dolomite gives these pieces good textural and tonal variation.
Steep Rock Iron Mine sits in Freeborn Township, Rainy River District, Ontario, part of the historic Atikokan iron-mining area. The deposit is best known for producing high-grade hematite ore, and manganese-oxide minerals like pyrolusite formed in association with the iron formation, occurring at sub-localities including the Roberts and Errington pits. The mine operated through the mid-20th century as one of Canada's significant iron sources before closing, and specimens from the district are collected today both for their mineralogy and their tie to a well-documented piece of Ontario mining history.
Details:
- Minerals: Pyrolusite, Dolomite
- Locality: Steep Rock Iron Mine, Freeborn Township, Rainy River District, Ontario, Canada
- Display: Freestanding
- Condition: Natural, uncut specimen
Note
All crystals and ceramic works offered by Atelier Lithic are inherently unique. Variations in size, colour, surface texture, and form are natural and should be expected.
Crystals are natural materials formed in the earth and may include surface irregularities such as natural fissures, internal veils, growth marks, contact points from where the crystal was attached to the host rock, or areas where the specimen was mined or extracted. These features are part of the crystal’s natural formation and are not considered defects. Defects are disclosed within the item description.
For crystals:
- When a listing includes numbered options (for example, 001, 002, etc.), each number corresponds to a specific crystal shown in the photos. Selecting a number means you will receive that exact crystal.
- When a crystal is shown as a group or range and sold as a quantity of one without numbered options, the images represent examples of what is available. You will receive one crystal, selected from the group, with natural variation.
For ceramics:
- All ceramic pieces are one of a kind. Unless otherwise stated, you will receive the exact piece shown in the listing photos.
If you ever want confirmation before purchasing, feel free to reach out. We're always happy to clarify or provide additional images.