Rhodochrosite on Galena, Pyrite, etc. (classic locale - RARE xls)

Item Description

EXTREMELY RARE true rhombohedral rhodochrosite crystals from the famous Oppu Mine, source of the Japan's finest rhodochrosite specimens. Nearly all rhodochrosite from here is either botryoidal or mammillary. Frosted salmon-pink rhombs, to 7 mm, are dramatically festooned on the sculptural, large undulating, mounded matrix. The uncommon underlying matrix is vuggy galena with pyrite, sphalerite and quartz, a rare combination in itself. This historic and ancient mine has been worked for silver, copper, lead, zinc and cadmium and finally for banded rhodochrosite since the late 1600s (MINDAT). Hefty lead ore at 960 grams or 2.1 pounds. The piece displays beautifully, as the base has been sawed. Outstanding and uncommon large old combination material with RARE rhombohedral rhodochrosite crystals valued by the former dealer at $1400. Specimens of this rare quality probably date to the late 1800s.