Funakozawa mine, Ono, Hirono, Kunohe-gun, Iwate Prefecture, Japan

5.8 x 5.3 x 2.4 cm. Nambulite is a very rare Li-Na-Mn silicate and specimens of any species from this long extinct manganese mine Type Locality are rare. A thick crust of lustrous, translucent burnt-orange nambulite richly covers the braunite matrix on this fine Japanese rarity. Possibly from the nearby old Gozaisho mine. Ex. Matioli Collection.

© Rob Lavinsky & irocks.com

5.8 x 5.3 x 2.4 cm. Nambulite is a very rare Li-Na-Mn silicate and specimens of any species from this long extinct manganese mine Type Locality are rare. A thick crust of lustrous, translucent burnt-orange nambulite richly covers the braunite matrix on this fine Japanese rarity. Possibly from the nearby old Gozaisho mine. Ex. Matioli Collection.

© Rob Lavinsky & irocks.com

Entrance of mining tunnel in Funakozawa Mine. Field observation in May, 2015.

© Hiroaki TANO

Vertical pit in Funakozawa Mine. The pit is 2-3 meters in depth. A simple fence of the pit is broken partially and is hidden by bushes. Take care when you visit this site.

© Hiroaki TANO

Powder magazine in Funakozawa Mine.

© Hiroaki TANO