Rhodochrosite on Quartz (very rare locale) (ex Dr. William Logan Collection)

Item Description

This is only the second specimen of this material that we've had to offer in the auctions. Luki Rhodochrosites are characteristically different from most worldwide Rhodos as they have a notably different color. This piece features a very well-formed group of sharp, lustrous, prismatic white / colorless Quartz crystals (some of which show very attractive internal "phantoms"), but the reverse / underside of the specimen is loaded with dozens if not hundreds of very sharp, well-formed, gemmy rhombic crystals of Rhodochrosite with a strange golden hue with a slight greenish overtone. Because the Rhodos are on the back of the piece, I have to believe that this Quartz specimen was detached from the pocket wall, and rested at a specific angle as the thin deposition of Rhodochrosite gently coated the reverse side. Now these are confirmed Rhodochrosite, but there must be a bit of iron content to give them this color. The Rhodos are small (most are around 1 mm), and we have photographed them with a Canon MP-E 65 mm macro lens to better illustrate the quality. If you collect worldwide Rhodochrosites, this is one of those pieces that you can use to check off a box on your list as they are incredibly rare to find on the market. Priced in the inventory at $700. From the worldwide Rhodochrosite collection of Dr. William S. Logan (Specimen #X103-1)