Rhodochrosite

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Miniature in size, but hugely impactful. That is what this specimen from N'Chwaning mines is. These mines in the Kalahari Manganese Field in South Africa were little known to mineralogists until the 1970s when their prominence became known due to one species - Rhodochrosite. This Rhodochrosite specimen is totally encrusted in extremely glossy deep burgundy red scalenohedral crystals reaching 3 to 4 mm in length. It is exceptionally well crystallized and displays very little damage. The specimen forms a thin plate, which internally is Manganite with a fine layer of microbotryoidal Chalcedony but most of this is hidden by the stunning layer of spiky gemmy Rhodochrosite crystals. An absolute choice classic from this world renowned Rhodochrosite occurrence.