Rhodochrosite with Quartz (ex Logan Collection)

Item Description

The Rhodochrosites from the Wutong Mine in China are some of the most iconic and eye-catching examples of the species in the world. They are not typically gemmy or necessarily red like the famous Sweet Home or South African crystals, but the can be rather large for the species. This piece is a very good sized flattened rhomb of Rhodochrosite that shows a medium pink color on the exterior, but it GLOWS with a vibrant RED color when backlit. You can see a few spots on the piece where it was contacted and reveals the deep gemmy red interior. These crystals remind me of those from the famous Sunnyside Mine in Colorado feature the same intense red "cores" with a pink overgrowth. The associated Quartz on the side of the crystal gives it wonderful character. The piece is mostly complete, but as I mentioned, it is contacted / cleaved in the areas where the deep red color can be seen. Since it's a single rhomb, I wouldn't call it doubly-terminated, but it is crystallized most of the way around. You just don't see 3-inch+ Rhodochrosite crystals like this from any locality, and these specimens seemed to have completely dried up from the market, so don't miss out on picking this one up for a great price. From the worldwide Rhodochrosite collection of Dr. William S. Logan (Specimen #X37-6) with a label from a previous dealer. Valued at $2,000 in the inventory.