Hidden in the darkest depths of some of the world’s deepest oceans, lies a treasure trove of natural curiosities. Manganese nodules, a fascinating type of rock formation, cover many thousands of square kilometres of the deep-sea floor. Don’t be deceived by their humble appearance - today they are one of the most important sources of metals and other types of minerals in the ocean. And although they are commercially gathered as a source of different metals, very few find their way onto the mineral market. So we are extremely excited to feature a very rare and large manganese nodule at auction, starting 16th February and ending 25th February (2018), estimated to sell for between €945 - €1,245. But how was it formed? And how was it found? Trevor Boyd, one of our in-house Natural History experts, has over 35 years of experience in this field and is here to explain more about this manganese nodule’s incredible journey...
What is a Manganese Nodule?
Manganese nodules, also known as polymetallic nodules, are pieces of hard, compacted rock matter made up of metal-rich crusts around a small central core. These nodules rest on the seabed in large ‘fields’ of various densities, and in some areas cover more than 70% of the sea floor. They can occur in waters at any depth, but the most concentrated fields of manganese nodules have been found between 4,000 and 6,000 metres deep. So how are they formed?
Manganese nodules are pieces of hard, compacted rock matter made up of a metal-rich crust around a small central core
The Birth of a Polymetallic Nodule
Polymetallic nodules are formed when a tiny piece of matter - often invisible to the naked eye - falls to the bottom of the sea. This becomes the ‘core’ of the future nodule, and slowly, layer by layer, the metallic components of the seawater precipitate and a concretion is formed. Over time, the nodule can develop up to the size of a potato. However, it takes millions of years for nodules to fully form, and in fact a nodule growth is one of the slowest of all geological species. Some of the world’s oldest nodules are therefore 2 to 3 million years old!
- A field of manganese nodules
- Image source: Word Ocean Review
Mining Manganese Nodules
So what is it that makes manganese nodules so economically viable? It’s their metal-rich content. Their manganese, iron, nickel, copper, titanium and cobalt content make them so sought-after by industries and miners all over the globe. They can contain a larger concentration of certain metals than in some of today’s most economical mining deposits. Lying at the very bottom of the sea, often partially or completely buried by sediment, traditionally it has taken a process using a special hydraulic pump to unearth these metal-bearing formations. However in the future, manganese nodules will be collected and pumped through solid pipes. Only time will tell what the future will have in store for this mining process...
- The current manganese nodule mining process
- Image source: Word Ocean Review
Why is This Manganese Nodule So Special?
It is extremely rare for a nodule such as this to become available for purchase. This large specimen was discovered in one of the world’s largest manganese nodule regions, the Clarion Clipperton fracture zone. This is an area in the eastern Pacific Ocean, about 2,000 km southeast of Hawaii. It was harvested from between 4,300 and 4,400 metres deep before arriving here for auction. While most most nodules are between 5 and 10 cm in diameter, this example is an impressive 16 cm long and 12 cm wide.
This manganese nodule will be at auction from 16th February until 25th February (2018) in our Minerals auction
The Next Stage of the Journey
The next frontier of mining will take place in the deep sea, searching for and sourcing these vital manganese nodules for their metal-rich contents. That makes this a truly exciting opportunity to own such a rare piece of both of the past and the future. The manganese nodule will be available to place your bids on from 16th February until 25th February (2018) in our Minerals auction. Your home could be the next destination in this nodule’s amazing journey.
Do you own a piece of exciting natural history? Would you like to see how much money it could make you at auction? Offer it up for auction and find out!
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