Rhodochrosite (rare locality specimen)

Item Description

Rhodochrosite is one of the most well-known and popular carbonates for collectors. It is found in many different geological environments on earth, but pegmatitic Rhodochrosites are fairly rare. They are 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 was known to produce some unusual habits of Rhodochrosite in very limited numbers. This particular piece features a coverage unusually spherical groups of pinkish-orange colored Rhodochrosite on sparkling Quartz, and if you look closely, you'll see tiny Pyrite crystals on top of the Rhodos. Very good condition, and 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, it's a good quality display piece eye-visible Rhodochrosites.
From the collection Jack Eaker (whose label says the specimen was identified by Jason Smith).