Rhodochrosite (classic locale)

Item Description

The famous Wolf Mine in Siegerland, Germany is noted for having produced the finest crystallized rhodochrosite specimens in Europe and for many years were considered the finest in world. The mine operated continuously from 1870 to 1925 and then sporadically until 1962. Good specimens are today quite difficult to find and are very highly desirable, especially in this large size. The rose-red crystals, to 6 or 7 mm, are translucent and quite pretty. The terminations are unusually truncated, which adds a bit of interest to the piece. Most crystals are intact and pristine. This is rare because of the isolation of the xls themselves and also the size of the whole specimen. Most old Wolf Mine rhodos are simply small pieces, trimmed up and sold as locality bits over the last 100 years. Valued at $1000