Pyrolusite is often relegated to the family of "ugly black mineral" species and good specimens, if seen at all, are often ignored. They tend to form as large rounded growths on matrix, or massive mammillary coverings, and actual sharp crystals are quite rare in nature. Historic specimens came from Germany long ago, and more recently in this century from the iron district of Michigan. These sharp crystals are like swords, razor sharp and with honed luster. They are some of the best crystals of the species, period; and might just be the best individual crystals I have seen in any size. This is from the famed best-of USA-specific thumbnail collection of Jim Houran, sold in entirety to Kyle Kevorkian some years ago. It has not otherwise been on the market.