Unusual Rhodochrosite and Quartz (circa 1800s)

Item Description

Very rich, impressive and highly unusual, classic, old-time, large mounded rhodochrosite and quartz with a surprise from this famous Japanese locale. Platy pastel-pink rhodochrosite crystals and rhodochrosite crusts cover the striking looking, mounded brecciated quartz matrix on this very uncommon and pristine 360-degree specimen. The strange looking rhodo-coated quartz breccia plates reach 3.7 cm wide. The mound is peppered with tiny bright pyrites, a fine and typical accessory. The SURPRISE is on the bottom, which is totally covered with glassy quartz points about 1.0 cm tall. 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 highly unusual and classic large old-time rhodochrosite and quartz from the Oppu Mine. Valued at $2500.