Rhodochrosite (good locality specimen) (ex Dr. William Logan Collection)

Item Description

A very attractive Rhodochrosite from Lavrion and wonderful quality for the material. Lavrion Rhodochrosites may not be the finest examples of the species in the world, but this particular specimen is very good for what it is and makes for an impressive display specimen of this truly hard to find material. There is a typed note from Bill Logan with the piece which states "Brilliant pink colored microcrystals reaching 1 mm completely cover the display face. The crystals are rhomboid, curved and highly lustrous, More dull crystallization continues on the back where it is associated with minor Chalcopyrite and columnar, chalky white Calcite or Aragonite (4+ Positive with HCl and fluorescent deep red with SWUV). Obtained from Chris Spiromitros who feels strongly that the Lavrion locality is correct - Wolfgang Wendel and others who have been consulted are said to be in agreement. The crystal habit and color and associates are quite consistent with Cavnic, Romania. However, the overall habit of the Aragonite is very suggestive of a Greek origin and Chris feels confident is NOT from Cassandra mines. After pursuing the research for over a year Christ believes that Anmeones area, Lavrion is the likely locality. I have subsequently heard from Fernando Metelli, the Italian collector who has an identical specimen attributed to Lavrion. He is the source of Chris' specimen. He obtained it from an Italian collector in Turin from a beneficiary who was liquidating it. It belonged to his mother and father, a mineral collecting team. He spent much time in Lavrion, she is Italian. His specimen has the same label and he is comfortable with the locality." A really eye-catching and excellent quality specimen that most Rhodochrosite collectors do not have a good representation in their collections. Priced at $1200 retail. From the worldwide Rhodochrosite collection of Dr. William S. Logan (Specimen #X131-4)