Manganese Nodule Clarion Clipperton Fracture Zone - 78 g

Rare Deep-Ocean Manganese Nodule - Pacific 

This authentic 78-gram polymetallic manganese nodule was collected from the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone (CCFZ)—a region of the Pacific Ocean rich in critical metals vital for modern technology. Its dark metallic surface and  complex depositional and chemical history, formed over millions of years at depths exceeding 15,000 feet on the Pacific Ocean floor.

Scientific and Collectible Significance

Manganese nodules are natural records of Earth’s ocean chemistry and mineral evolution. Each nodule grows atom by atom, capturing trace elements like nickel, cobalt, copper, iron, and rare earths. They’re central to research in oceanography, planetary geology, and sustainable resource studies — and make extraordinary museum-grade or educational display pieces.

White Surface Features Explained

The white coating visible on this specimen’s surface results from marine weathering and oxidation. It often includes:

• Manganese oxides such as birnessite, vernadite, or todorokite, lightened through exposure and dehydration.
• Iron oxide leaching zones where salts or carbonates crystallized during desiccation.
• Barite (BaSO₄) and calcite (CaCO₃) — minerals that precipitated where hydrothermal fluids or biological activity enriched local seawater.

These chalky or fibrous films mark the fracture zones and reactive surfaces of the nodule, making them ideal subjects for microphotography and geochemical analysis.

Ocean Mining Context and Research Value

This manganese nodule exemplifies the future of deep-sea mining and sustainable metal sourcing. The Clarion-Clipperton Zone is the largest known repository of seabed minerals — a region that continues to shape global discussions on critical mineral supply, ocean policy, and technological innovation.

Specifications

• Collection Site: Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone, Pacific Ocean
• Size: 44 mm (L) × 40 mm (W) × 32 mm (D)
• Weight: 78 grams

Composition

Composed primarily of manganese (Mn) and iron (Fe) oxides, with measurable amounts of nickel, copper, cobalt, rare earth elements, silicon, aluminum, and titanium. This diverse chemistry gives it both scientific and economic importance.

Included with This Specimen

• Authentic 78 g manganese nodule from the Pacific Ocean.
• Certificate of Authenticity, specimen tag, and display tag stand.
• Professional XRF analysis confirms elemental composition consistent with CCFZ nodules.
• Ships securely in a protective case. (Photo cube and plexiglass base not included.)

Add to Your Own Scientific Collection

Own a tangible piece of deep-ocean history. This polymetallic nodule reflects the intersection of geology, technology, and planetary science—a rare opportunity to hold in your hand what takes millions of years to form on the ocean floor. Available exclusively from Sciencemall-USA.

This scientific material is Guaranteed Authentic. It was professionally and legally collected and arrives with a Certificate of Authenticity, information about manganese nodules, tag, stand and XRF.