Rhodochrosite on Manganite (circa 1980 finds)

Item Description

Classic and beautiful rhodos from this major find are one of those Holy Grails in collecting, but the rarest of all are those few specimens featuring bright red crystals on a black contrasting matrix. In the early 1980s, and never again since, the Kalahari Manganese Field stunned the collector world with gemmy, sparkling red rhodochrosites. While there are crystals that are bigger, clusters that are larger, and all kinds of varieties from the various finds spanning a few years...this specimen is one of the most classic and rare styles because it features the MOST sparkling red crystals with the deepest cherry red color, sitting on contrasting black matrix. The matrix is actually manganese ore covered by tiny black manganese crystals, and this RED ON BLACK color contrast makes all the difference in such a specimen; increasing the rarity 100-fold. You can see it across a room because of the stark contrast. The black highlights the red and makes it even stronger to the eye. This piece is nearly pristine despite a large display surface! The largest crystals are not small at all, to 1.6 cm at longest, with most around 1 to 1.2 cm. The clusters are 3-dimensional and riveting, and give even more saturation to the color. Nearly all the rhodochrosite is gemmy and transparent, so you can see through to the matrix! One cluster at the base as shown is 3 cm, from tip to tip - and looks like a doubly terminated single crystal but is perhaps two, intergrown. Note that this large display surface is nearly pristine, and also the piece can be displayed at several angles (although it comes with a base, as shown). From an old collection. Valued $15,000-plus, quite easily.

This specimen is part of the 2024 Dallas Mineral Collecting Symposium benefit auction, with proceeds benefiting Mineralogical Record, Rocks & Minerals, Tucson Gem and Mineral Society, and mindat.org. Thanks to all of our participants!

Billing for this auction will occur on Monday, August 19th, for payment using PayPal or a credit card. Shipping will be billed at cost.