superb Rhodochrosite ps. After fossilized Mollusc

Item Description

Rhodochrosite has perfectly pseudomorphed the entire fossilized mollucsc (that's a weathered white rhodochrosite rind) on this rare and striking thumbnail from the famous deposits of the Kerch Peninsula, Crimea, Ukraine. The pretty pastel-pink is translucent on the tapered edges. This deposit is now mined through and gone. Extremely hard to obtain fine specimens today. Mined mostly in the late 80s and early 90s, I am told they are long since through the major phosphate pods that produced specimens here, and new pieces are few. An excellent and pristine piece, with sharp form and the ribs really standing out. Valued $400-500. I only get a few of these now, in old collections.