4.2" Polished Rhodochrosite Slab - Argentina

This is a beautiful, polished mass of rhodochrosite from the famous Capillitas Mine in Argentina. The rhombohedral cleavage of this mineral can be seen throughout the polished face of the slab. A small amount of pyrite can be found near one corner of this slab.

It comes with an acrylic display stand.

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.
SOLD
DETAILS
SPECIES
Rhodochrosite & Pyrite
LOCATION
Capillitas Mine, Catamarca Province, Argentina
SIZE
4.2 x 3", .38" thick
CATEGORY
ITEM
#113395