Rhodochrosite (ex Dr. William Logan Collection)

Item Description

The Rhodochrosite specimens from the Poudrette Quarry at Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada some of the most distinctive and beautiful examples of the species ever found. They look nothing like the classic rhombs from the Sweet Home Mine in Colorado (or various other Colorado localities), nor do they resemble the beautiful gem scalenohedrons from the Uchucchacua Mine in Peru or the Kalahari Manganese Field in South Africa. The MSH specimens are notably "flat" and show a distinctive trigonal habit with broad triangular shaped faces (similar to a "macle" twin). The color is often a deep red or reddish-brown hue, which is not commonly seen in Rhodochrosite. This particular specimen is a wonderful example of these beautiful old classics featuring less commonly seen rhombic shaped crystals with a dark reddish-brown hue sitting on white Natrolite with associated black Aegirine. The Rhodo crystals have formed semi-"rosette"-esque clusters and look beautiful up close. From the worldwide Rhodochrosite collection of Dr. William S. Logan (Specimen #X24-2). Valued at $950 for the rare style from the locality.