Rhodochrosite (rare locality specimen)

Item Description

Rhodochrosite is a beloved species, one of the most sought after carbonates for collectors. It has been found in many different environments (ore bodies, metamorphic deposits, carbonatites, and even sedimentary deposits) but pegmatitic Rhodos are certainly not common and often quite different than the more commonly seen rhombs and scalenohedrons that we're used to seeing. This piece is from the famed Foote Mine in North Carolina, which was known to produce some unusual habits of Rhodochrosite in very limited numbers. This particular piece features unusually spherical groups of pinkish-orange colored Rhodochrosite measuring with Quartz, and if you look closely, you'll see tiny Pyrite crystals on top of the Rhodos. One of the better examples of this elusive and desirable material that we've had to offer, especially because the piece is a not a micro specimen, it's a small cabinet with eye-visible Rhodochrosites.
From the collection Jack Eaker (whose label says the specimen was identified by Jason Smith).