Rhodochrosite with Quartz and Calcite

Item Description

I'm always interested when I see the two carbonates, Rhodochrosite and Calcite together on the same piece. Most often, they did not form during the same time, but the association is still interesting to me. This cabinet sized display specimen is filled with soft pink, lustrous rhombohedra of Rhodochrosite which are associated with small stubby Quartz crystals and a few "sprays" of scalenohedral Calcite. This area is one of the most classic Peruvian mining districts, and big colorful specimens like this one do not seem to be nearly as available as they were 10-15 years ago.