3.9" Sparkling Botryoidal Rhodochrosite on Quartz - Mexico

Sparkling Botryoidal Rhodochrosite on Quartz - Mexico #240825

This is a gorgeous aggregations of sparkling rhodochrosite crystals that are tightly packed together, creating this salmon-pink botryoidal formation. The rhodochrosite formed over a cluster of quartz crystals. The specimen was collected from the Santa Eulalia mining district of Chihuahua, Mexico and including the oxide matrix, measures 3.9" wide.

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.

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