Rhodochrosite

Item Description

Appealing large cabinet sized piece of undulating, lustrous, bubbly, pink Rhodochrosite. Made of mostly aggregated crystalline spheres that build up to form a sculptural display with three dimensional relief. There are a few areas that exhibit smooth larger curved crystalline forms. The sizable piece appears to be a very thick solid piece of Rhodochrosite with no evident matrix. We had assumed it was a manganoan calcite at first despite the Zerfass label here, but it simply does not fluoresce, as they normally would, indicating it has enough manganese to be rhodochrosite (they are in a series, and manganese squelches fluorescence past a certain point, which is why most MN-calcites glow; and rhodos do not). There are a dozen or so tiny Chalcopyrite crystals present. The piece is in great condition with only subtle periphery edge wear. The base has interesting little semi-vertical pockets or holes within the crystalline structure that might be some sort of possible cast features or dissolution etching. Whatever it is, it is a cool and unique feature for the Rhodos from the famous Madan ore fields in Bulgaria. This beautiful Rhodochrosite specimen is highly desirable for its aesthetic form, sparkling luster, and quality. Ex. Paul Zerfass Collection #152.