Rhodochrosite, Capillitas district, Catamarca Province, Argentina

I think everyone has a soft spot for these terrific rhodochrosite "slices" from Argentina. Incredibly, a cave in the Capillitas mining district had stalactites coloured pink due to their manganese (rhodochrosite) content. More often than not, the stalactites were then sliced and polished to reveal the incredible colour (and patterns) within. These stalactites ranged in diameter but specimens greater than a few centimetres are truly special. This slice is 8 cm in diameter with excellent colour and is quite gemmy. Both sides show equally well. I find these slices fit into almost any type of collection and are truly unique in the mineral world. Ex Bill Rouslin collection. From: Capillitas mining district, Catamarca Province, Argentina. Dimensions: 8 cm x 8 cm