Rhodochrosite (classic material)

Item Description

Rhodochrosite is one of, if not the most popular mineral species in the world for collectors. The superb color combined with the wide variety of habits makes it truly captivating. The iconic specimens from the N'Chwaning I Mine in South Africa have been on the market for decades, and they are just as desirable as when they first hit the market. The less common spherical Rhodos from this mine are a must have for any fan of of the species or a collector of minerals from the Kalahari Manganese Field. The "balls" on this specimens are actually composed of layers of flattened trigonal crystals with that classic glowing cherry red color when backlit. If you look on the back and the side of the specimen, you can see that it actually formed in an almost radial growth, starting at a central point, while ever generation of Rhodo was deposited on top of another. The central portion of the specimen is undamaged, but it is contacted around the edge where it was removed from the pocket. Overall the quality, color and gemminess make it a very attractive example of this unusual habit from this world famous mine. Priced in the inventory at $1,500.