Rhodochrosite ps. After fossilized mollusc

Item Description

A rare and striking thumnail from the famous deposits of the Kerch Peninsula, Crimea, Ukraine. Rhodochrosite has pseudomorphed the entire fossilized mollucsc (that's a weathered white rhodochrosite rind). You can see rhodo botryoids deposited in the inner chamber. This deposit is now mined through and gone. Extremely hard to obtain fine specimens today. Mined mostly in the late 80s and early 90s, I am told they are long since through the major phosphate pods that produced specimens here, and new pieces are few. An excellent piece, with good sharp form. Valued $400-500. I only get a few of these now, in old collections.