Rhodochrosite on Manganite

Item Description

A classic from the late 1970s or early 1980s, this is a rarely seen large rhodochrosite of display size. A thin veneer of jet black manganite is layered above an ore matrix that is invested with manganese. Totally smothering the manganite base are literally hundreds of sparkling and gemmy scalenohedrons of cherry-colored rhodochrosite, to 6 mm in length. Admittedly, some crystals have sustained damage to their terminations, but the overall effect of all these gemmy crystals is simply mesmerizing and frankly it is more accepted in this material than most, given that much of the material collected had damage both in the pocket and from the collecting process used in the day. Most crystals are intact, and the piece is gorgeous, with 3-dimensional display aesthetics. Specimens like this only turn up in old collections, and are very hard to get at any reasonable price today. I have seen similar piece to this on sale at the Tucson and Denver 2011 shows for prices from $3500-8500 depending on the dealer, but this came to me as a fixer-upper in an old collection and so we can afford to auction it. It is easily worth $4000-500 in my opinion. They havc enot made more in 30 years, after all, and these remain one of the most desirable species to own after all that time