Rhodochrosite (rare locality specimen)

Item Description

Rhodochrosite is a well-known manganese carbonate species, found in many different environments on Earth, but pegmatitic Rhodos are certainly not common and often quite different than the more commonly seen rhombs and scalenohedrons seen in ore body deposits. This piece is from the famed Foote Mine in North Carolina, which is famous for its phosphate minerals, but also was known to produce some unusual habits of Rhodochrosite in very limited numbers. This particular piece features several rhombic groups of pinkish-orange colored Rhodochrosite measuring up to 4 mm across, which are associated with soft lilac colored Fluorapatite on matrix. It's 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, the Rhodos are certainly eye-visible. The piece was collected by Dick Bullard of Raleigh, NC.
From the collection of John Whatley, a well-known Georgia collector (1939-2022). John had many interests and hobbies, and favorite hobby was collecting rocks and minerals. He was a member of the Augusta and Aiken, SC Gem and Mineral Society. He also enjoyed collecting arrowheads and he co-authored the book, An Overview of Georgia Projectile Points and Select Cutting Tools. He was a member of the Georgia, South Carolina, and Alabama Archaeology Societies and he also enjoyed volunteering in the Archaeology Department at SRS.
You can read more about John at: https://www.thomaspoteet.com/obituaries/john-whatley