Rhodochrosite (bright gem scalenohedral)
stock #A7-261-320
Wessel's Mine, Hotazel, Northern Kalahari Mn Fields
Northern Cape Province,
South Africa
2.7 x 1.5 CM (small miniature/ large thumbnail (toenail))
price: $1650
Tucson group
This is the form and color that made Hotazel famous as a great mineral locality! A killer small specimen with sharp crystals in great condition. Ex Larry White Collection. Often specimens from this find typically have several broken or cleaved tips (and yet can still be very very expensive!) The main crystals on this are fully terminated (no cleaves) with 15x magnification a tiny cleave is found on the back side of an accessory crystal. Great impact, condition and value!
Rhodochrosite (gem clear equant crystals)
stock #Alec 10-793
Uchucchacua Mine, Oyon Province
Lima Department,
Peru
11.5 x 7.8 x 5.3 CM Crystals to 1.1 CM (cabinet)
price: $1250
Tucson group
A large matrix covered with brilliant dark red, glass clear gemmy Rhodochrosites that are not the usual scalenohedrons. These are a mix of equant crystals and modified rhombs that sit well on the contrasting matrix. Top grade for luster and intense color. Unusual for the locale and a striking display specimen, the matrix is a mix of tiny quartz xls with contrasting black sulfides. Sawn on the back and one side edge, not visible from display side. Overall in good condition, the main largest crystals are in perfect shape, there is some damage on the crystals at the outer edges as is expected, but not a distraction at all. Great value.
A rare Rhodochrosite from the Iron regions of Michigan, ex. John Marshall collection. Much better than just a "location piece" the rhodos here are quite bright, clear and sharp. Most are isolated Rhombs but with some clusters in rosette form.
Rhodochrosite (scalenohedral gem crystals)
stock #ALEC-5-057
Wessel's Mine, Hotazel, Northern Kalahari Mn Fields
Northern Cape Province,
South Africa
3.3 x 2.3 CM (miniature)
price: $1300
A brilliant, deep red, gem clear cluster of scalenhedral Rhodos from the one time find at Wessels mine. A modern classic location, these Rhodos are instantly recognizable and very desirable. This specimen displays well, overall in very good condition, there are some cleaves that must be noted as is common but minimally visible from display side. A great value for a very striking, bright and lusterous gem Rhodo!
HOLD Rhodochrosite
stock #HOLD 8-PUR-820
Uchucchacua Mine, Oyon Province
Lima Department,
Peru
11.7 x 9 CM (cabinet)
price: $340
A big pink Rhodocrosite with sharp rhombs up to almost 2 CM. The main crystals are all in fine condition, there is some minimal outer edge damage that does not affect the display of the piece. Presents well from many angles, a really good quality affordable Peruvian specimen!
A big and very bright Rhodo from the Classic location of Butte. A strong, deeper red-pink color than is typical. This also shows well the rare curved crystal faces that can sometimes be found on good Butte Rhodos. The largest crystals reach one centimeter, there is minor contacting that can be seen in the photos but the main crystals and central display area is eye clean. The specimen is dusted with micro Chalcopyrites as was typical of some materials from the Emma Mine. A very good eyecatcher.
Very unusual for China, this is the only specimen I have seen of Scalenohedral Rhodos. The Wuton area has produced many fine rhombs and Flattened plate crystals but this specimen is unique. Good esthetics too, the Rhodo crystals reach 2.4 CM have rich color and are mostly complete on the facing side. There is damage to one side and rear and the matrix quartz and fluorites have some damage showing, but the display face is still very attractive. Both purple and green fluorites add some color contrast as well.
From the personal collections of Alvin Schortmann (Schortmann's minerals) and John Marshall. A Mexican old timer, this is an unusual habit from an obscure location not far from the Milapias Azurite site. This dates from the late 50's to early 60's. I have seen only a few Cananea Rhodos and this is quite different, esthetic and eyecatching. The matrix is heavy sulfide with pyrite (typical for the location) covered by spikes of rhodochrosite mostly in the 1.5 CM range. In fine condition overall there are a few minor tip cleaves not easily noticed. Rare and attractive this is a fine old time mexican specimen.
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