Rhodochrosite from Huayllapon Mine, Pasto Bueno, Ancash, Peru - image 1
Rhodochrosite from Huayllapon Mine, Pasto Bueno, Ancash, Peru - image 2
Rhodochrosite from Huayllapon Mine, Pasto Bueno, Ancash, Peru - image 4
Rhodochrosite from Huayllapon Mine, Pasto Bueno, Ancash, Peru - image 5
Rhodochrosite from Huayllapon Mine, Pasto Bueno, Ancash, Peru - image 6
Rhodochrosite from Huayllapon Mine, Pasto Bueno, Ancash, Peru - image 7
Rhodochrosite from Huayllapon Mine, Pasto Bueno, Ancash, Peru - image 8

Rhodochrosite from Huayllapon Mine, Pasto Bueno, Ancash, Peru

A large, dramatic rhodochrosite crystal showing interesting castle-like modifications to the edges, this is classic old Peruvian material from the late 1970s and early 1980s. So rare, and so few came out...most of us will never see or hold one in person. This is a "modern classic" in some sense, in that many collectors of the Golden Age of mineral collecting obtained one for their collections when these came out. The crystal is 3.5 x 3 x 2 cm in size, very robust, and displayed dramatically for the viewer! This particular style of slightly distorted rhombohedron with crenellated, complex modifications atop (and some zoning as the deeper red color is deposited upon on earlier pink generation), was really unique to one single pocket brought to market by Ken Roberts in the early 1980s, to wide acclaim. Pieces from that find now sit in the Smithsonian and a few of the most important private collections. We have not seen one for sale in some time. This strawberry-red, translucent large crystal is perched on stunning, white, sparkling quartz - an unusual association for rhodochrosite, and yet also characteristic of this one find. Overall a superb specimen of a rare antique find. No repairs or restorations, as it has not been to a modern lab where such things are routinely done.

Product details

SizeSmall Cabinet
Dimensions6.9 x 5.8 x 5.7 cm
Added on07/17/2026
Current owner
Member since 2026

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Rhodochrosite
Mineral guide
Learn about Rhodochrosite
deep pink to rich red manganese carbonate with vitreous crystals, diverse crystal habits, and renowned localities prized by collectors.
Rhodochrosite
Regional guide
Rhodochrosite from Huayllapon Mine
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Locality guide
Huayllapon Mine
Huayllapon Mine, Peru — renowned for lustrous hübnerite blades, deep red rhodochrosite on quartz, and open-pocket specimens that captivate collectors.