RHODOCHROSITE

SPECIMEN DESCRIPTION

Several mines in the Peruvian high Andes have produced world-class Rhodochrosite specimens. One of the most important mines in this regard is Uchucchacua mine in Oyon Province. Its Rhodochrosite specimens are distinctive, presenting glassy, gemmy, raspberry pink crystals in complex forms, compared with the much more vivid pinks and intense cerise-red of the Pasto Bueno mines. This superb small cabinet display specimen from Uchucchacua mine features well-formed intergrown crystals of gemmy, translucent colour-zoned pink Rhodochrosite measuring to 9 mm pleasingly arranged over the contrasting black display surface of manganese oxides and country rock matrix. The individual crystals display glassy centres and 'feathery' edges, like an epitaxial overgrowth. The crystallographic detail and colourful gemmy crystals makes this a really wonderful Peruvian specimen. A timeless classic.