Rhodochrosite, Pyrite and Sphalerite

Item Description

The extraordinarily rich and RARE, sculptural pyrite small cabinet matrix hosts a beautifully placed, aesthetic, cluster of uncommon, intergrown, sharp, blocky rhodochrosite rhombohedrons from the 2000s finds at the well-known Wutong Mine of China. The pretty rose-red, translucent rhodos have satin luster faces and reach 1.3 cm on edge. Most rhodochrosite from Wutong is highly flattened and discoidal, making rhombohedrons relatively rare. Pyrite is a common accessory at the mine, but VERY FEW combination specimens exhibit the richness and scintillating beauty of the tiny, brassy pyritohedrons surrounding the starkly contrasting rhodochrosites. A fine BONUS on the back are clusters of rounded Sphalerite crystals, another typical accessory. See the 2011 article in the Mineralogical Record China-III, Special Issue, Vol. 42, No. 6. An exceptional, uncommon rhombohedral rhodochrosite with exceedingly rare, rich pyrite with sphalerite from the noted locale. Valued at $4000-6000.