This Specimen has been sold.
1.5" Polished Rhodochrosite Breccia "Egg" - Argentina
This is a small, unique, hand-polished Rhodochrosite breccia egg. Small chunks of lustrous metallic pyrite can be found scattered throughout the egg. The Rhodochrosite comes from the famous Capillitas Mine in Argentina and exhibits beautiful pink banding.
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.
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.
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
1.5" long
CATEGORY
ITEM
#113384