Rhodochrosite with Pyrite (circa 1800s classic)

Item Description

Classic and very showy old-time rhodochrosite and pyrite small cabinet combination from the historic Oppu Mine of Japan. Fine color, rich rose-pink, translucent, nubby, bubbly rhodochrosite botryoids richly line the sculptural concave vug and are strikingly accented and complemented with patches of intensely sparkly, brassy, micro pyritohedrons - a typical accessory. The interior appears to be pristine. The underlying matrix is sphalerite and pyrite. Oppu Mine rhodochrosite is the most important and classic Japanese locale for the species, long after its closing in 1979. This historic and ancient mine has been worked for silver, copper, lead, zinc and cadmium and finally for banded rhodochrosite since the late 1600s (MINDAT). Crystallized rhodos from here date from before WWII to over 100 years ago! A very fine quality rhodochrosite and pyrite combination from this historic mine. From an old collection.