2.7" Sparkling Botryoidal Rhodochrosite - Santa Eulalia, Mexico

This is a gorgeous aggregations of sparkling rhodochrosite crystals that are tightly packed together, creating this salmon-pink botryoidal formation. The specimen was collected from the Santa Eulalia mining district of Chihuahua, Mexico and including the quartz encrusted matrix, measures 2.7" wide. There is a partially exposed crystal with rhombohedral cleavage, beneath the rhodochrosite.

Rhodochrosite is a manganese carbonate mineral with the chemical composition MnCO3. The crystals typically have a rosy pink to red coloration with rhombohedral cleaving in three directions. It forms from hydrothermal pockets and can be found as both crystals and in banded formations. Its color and occasional banding patterns make it a popular stone for faceting and cutting into cabochons. Premier specimens come from China, South Africa, Argentina, where it is the national mineral, and from the Sweet Home Mine in Alma, Colorado.

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DETAILS
SPECIES
Rhodochrosite & Quartz
LOCATION
Potosi Mine, Santa Eulalia Mining District, Chihuahua, Mexico
SIZE
Entire Specimen: 2.7 x 1.5"
CATEGORY
ITEM
#240808