Rhodochrosite (large stone) (good quality)

Item Description

The famous quote from John Sinkankas was "gems are minerals after all". In our continued efforts to promote the importance of gemstones for ALL collectors, we want to give mineral collectors a chance at a rare cut stone that complements a choice mineral specimen from a classic locality. Some of the finest mineral collections in the world are accompanied by gemstones that either complete a "rough and cut" set for certain specimens, or simply show the beauty of particular species when they are faceted. We are offering this stone as an opportunity for collectors to expand their horizons and purchase gemstones that would supplement crystallized specimens in their collections. I think it is important for collectors to know that faceted stones can expand one's interests in minerals and can add a certain reverence to the hobby of collecting minerals. Rhodochrosite is probably most well known from the Sweet Home mine in Colorado, but there are very extensive Rhodochrosite deposits in Argentina. The material is not often gemmy enough for faceting stones, but it does have great color. This particular stone is a LARGE and beautiful reddish-pink and cream colored "Round Cabochon" cut gem with great translucency, and layered banding showing how it grew in stalagtitic formations. The most impressive aspect of the stone to me are the gemmy pink "bubbles" that you can see in the center of the stone - very RARE for this material!! The retail value on this gem is $696.96