This Specimen has been sold.
4.1" Rhodochrosite Stalactite Section with Pyrite - Argentina
This is a gorgeous, polished section of rhodochrosite with pyrite from the famous Capillitas Mine in Argentina. It has been cut flat and polished to a glossy finish on one side, while the rest of the specimen has been left in its rough state. This is an end cut of a stalactite, so this is what the ceiling/wall of the cave this formed in, would have looked like.
It comes with an acrylic display stand.
It comes with an acrylic display stand.
About Argentina Rhodochrosite
Rhodochrosite from the Capillitas Mine in Catamarca, Argentina, is renowned for its striking pink to deep red coloration, often displayed in intricate, concentric banding. Formed in hydrothermal veins within a Miocene-aged volcanic complex, this rhodochrosite commonly occurs as stalactitic or botryoidal masses that are sliced and polished to reveal vibrant, bullseye-like patterns. Unlike the well-known transparent crystals from Sweet Home Mine in Colorado, Capillitas rhodochrosite is typically opaque and prized for its ornamental and lapidary appeal. Its unique visual character, shaped by rhythmic mineral deposition over millions of years, makes it one of the most distinctive and collectible varieties of rhodochrosite in the world.
Rhodochrosite from the Capillitas Mine in Catamarca, Argentina, is renowned for its striking pink to deep red coloration, often displayed in intricate, concentric banding. Formed in hydrothermal veins within a Miocene-aged volcanic complex, this rhodochrosite commonly occurs as stalactitic or botryoidal masses that are sliced and polished to reveal vibrant, bullseye-like patterns. Unlike the well-known transparent crystals from Sweet Home Mine in Colorado, Capillitas rhodochrosite is typically opaque and prized for its ornamental and lapidary appeal. Its unique visual character, shaped by rhythmic mineral deposition over millions of years, makes it one of the most distinctive and collectible varieties of rhodochrosite in the world.
About Pyrite
The mineral pyrite, also known as iron pyrite, is commonly referred to as Fool's Gold because its metallic luster and pale brass-yellow hue give it a superficial resemblance to gold. In the old mining days, pyrite was sometimes mistaken for gold.
It is the most common of the sulfide minerals with the chemical formula FeS2. Pyrite crystals occur in many shapes and habits, including cubes of all sizes, penetration twin cubes, pyritohedral clusters and as small druzy crystals that can exhibit a beautiful glistening effect.
The mineral pyrite, also known as iron pyrite, is commonly referred to as Fool's Gold because its metallic luster and pale brass-yellow hue give it a superficial resemblance to gold. In the old mining days, pyrite was sometimes mistaken for gold.
It is the most common of the sulfide minerals with the chemical formula FeS2. Pyrite crystals occur in many shapes and habits, including cubes of all sizes, penetration twin cubes, pyritohedral clusters and as small druzy crystals that can exhibit a beautiful glistening effect.
SPECIES
Rhodochrosite & Pyrite
LOCATION
Capillitas Mine, Catamarca Province, Argentina
SIZE
4.1 x 3.1", 1.65" thick
CATEGORY
ITEM
#150847
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