Rhodochrosite with Fluorite and Quartz (ex Dr. William Logan Collection)

Item Description

This is a distinctive and fine quality Rhodochrosite specimen from the now famous Wutong Mine. Typically the Rhodos from this mine are more of a pink hue, along with being rhombic in habit and typically not terribly gemmy. This piece however features notably RED scalenohedral crystals, quite similar to those from the N'Chwaning Mines in South Africa or the Uchucchacua Mine in Peru. What's more, the Rhodos are associated with beautiful green and purple Fluorite, along with gemmy colorless Quartz prisms, which is reminiscent of the Sweet Home Mine in Colorado, so you have a combination of different styles together on the same piece unlike anything we've seen from China. The main Rhodochrosite crystal on this piece measures 2.5 cm long, and is a rich red color along with being fairly gemmy. Now there are some contacts, and the piece is not pristine, but the value and interest in this piece lies in the rare color and habit of the Rhodochrosite (for the locality) along with the attractive associations. If you collect worldwide Rhodochrosites or minerals from China, do NOT miss out on this one as it came from a single pocket, and nothing like was found again. Priced at $1,400 retail. From the worldwide Rhodochrosite collection of Dr. William S. Logan (Specimen #X36-5)