Rhodochrosite

$8,500.00

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In the late 1970s and into the early 1980s, Gilbert Gauthier was mine geologist at this uranium mine in the middle of remote Gabon; and he brought out spectacular radioactives to the market...as well as a few rhodochrosites! Gilbert told stories of sleeping above tonnage of uranium ore containing rare species he would trim out and supply to museums worldwide, but the rhodochrosites he proudly displayed at shows when he had them. Perhaps only a few pockets were found, and the quantity to market was never large. Today, we seldom see any for sale of any quality or size. This piece was purchased by the previous owner and held from 1999-2026, as there simply was never another available that he could buy in a better quality. And, indeed, this IS the best quality for the location. Tightly packed crystals with a literally scintillating surface sparkle, rich color that is not too light nor too dark, and a very aesthetic display horizon combine to make this a perfect small cabinet sized display specimen. Most such specimens were too dark, perhaps included by manganese or on ugly matrix pieces, making this one of the more elegant examples of this rare find.