Rhodochrosite on Manganite, N’Chwaning Mine, Kalahari Mn Field, RSA
This brilliant, sparkling, small cabinet specimen presents the iconic pairing of gemmy and transparent rose-pink rhodochrosite on crystallized manganite, set on a base of massive manganite ore. The rhodochrosite crystals present magnificently stepped and striated rhombohedra under magnification, along with occasional cryptocrystalline, cochineal-red scalenohedra. Minor quartz mineralization is also present. This unusual find was sourced directly from the notable South African collector Clive Queit almost forty years ago, during the heyday of the early 1980s, and has been in a private collection ever since. The N’Chwaning rhodochrosite deposits are considered world-class and were quickly exhausted. They are highly sought after by discerning collectors. Self-standing.
Dimensions: 60 x 55 x 50 mm. Weight: 9 oz. (255 g).
