Rhodochrosite with Quartz and Elbaite

Unknown Owner

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Rhodochrosite from a pegmatite in Pakistan! Rhodochrosite from granite pegmatites isn't unheard of, it's just not very common and this one is associated with Quartz and Elbaite crystals. The Rhodochrosite sits prominently at the top of the piece and is a saturated, dark pink, disc-shaped rhomb measuring 2.3 x 2.1 x 0.5cm. The crystal is well-formed and has some associated patchy manganese oxides on the bottom third. A nicely terminated, 2.5cm Quartz crystal growing horizontally in the piece points right at the Rhodo. Numerous other tiny, glistening Quartz crystals line much of the display surface of the piece. A small, 7mm, green Elbaite crystal is perched on the Quartz crystal and there a few other smaller Elbaite crystals on the piece as well. A surprise on this specimen are several pale yellow, blocky, prismatic crystals of translucent Danburite! The matrix is an intergrown aggregate of bladed, bright white Cleavelandite. An attractive and unusual pegmatite combination specimen. I bought this directly from the mine via a photo, as a large specimen. Two years later after two trim reductions, we have a wonderful small cabinet piece. It is one of only two of this quality that I am aware of.