Rhodochrosite - large triangonal habit crystal
Wutong Mine, Liubao, Cangwu Co. Wuzoh Pref.
Guangxi Province, China
6.7 x 5.4 x .7 CM (cabinet)
price: $990


Very sharp, complete with a rich color. a triangular form crystal that is in fine condition. This form of Rhodochrosite is quite uncommon and was best known in far smaller crystals from the famed Mont Saint-Hilaire. This is however a huge crystal from the 2005-6 finds in China from a limited zone that produced some large flat crystals. Unlike most in the find, this one is complete and undamaged on all the edges and seems to be a floater. Complex small steps and faces are noted on the flat sides and edges, probably the result of dissolution and re-crystallization cycles. Several localities worldwide do have flat habit Rhodochrosites which are very different from the scalenohedral and rhomb crystals that are more typical. However those specimens from most localities are not very distinct as to crystal form, they are rounded much like flat nearly circular disks. This is a very fine exception to the rule, a full sharp triangle.