Although the label of this specimen places the piece in Mozambique, we have no record of graphite specimens similar to this one in this African country. For another specimen from the same collection (Joan Astor) we can place it in the classical sites of the Ratnapura area, in Sri Lanka. Fibrous crystals with luster. More information can be found in the file of the specimen RM1836 [click here]. Very interesting classic.

A good sized sample of graphite showing parallel aggregates of crystals. The lusters is spectacular, with that black "flywing" tone. One of the faces of the sample has some scratches we wanted to preserve and that show the piece was used for some scientific experiments. According to the owner of the piece, the sample was collected near the end of XIXth, around 1890. Confirm that Radigara is the origin is difficult, but it does belong to the Ratnapura mining district. The metallic luster, bright and pure, has a greasy feeling, as expected. This mining area is today a place famous for its gems, but we must not forget that once it was also important for native graphite. Currently obtaining these specimens is very rare, since sapphires and rubies are obviously more valuable for miners.

Good sized almandine group of crystals, one of them predominant and showing well marked trapezohedron faces. It is not complete, the back side is contacted with the rock. It comes from a mineral area not well represented in collections.