Rhodochrosite (Type Locality)

Item Description

A large and beautiful specimen with highly lustrous pastel-pink aggregates of tiny Rhodochrosite blades complimented with sprays of glassy terminated Quartz points up to 5 mm on matrix. The matrix, a white massive Quartz layer, is blanketed with a initial Rhodochrosite growth of a darker pink saturation as seen lower towards the front. The following globular buildup of the Rhodochrosite towards the back of the piece has a more pearlescent light pink color. Also present are contrasting brown oval 'seeds' of Siderite sprinkled throughout. The piece is in great condition with only minor edge wear. This large cabinet sized piece is a charming example from the Cavnic Mine in Romania, which is the Type Locality for the species (dating back to the early days of European mineralogy!). This is the most famous mine in the area, hundreds of years old: Formerly known as Kapnikbanya, Kapnik, Hungary (during the Austro-Hungarian Empire). Ex. Kurt Hefendehl.