RHODOCHROSITE
Specimen rho-15
$ 45.00Dims: 2.3" x 2.0" x 1.5" (5.8 x 5.1 x 3.8 cm)
Wt: 3.92 oz.(111.2 g)
Chacqua Mine, Lima, Peru
Though there are a few crystals of Rhodochrosite on this specimen, one in particular draws my attention. It is quite large, measuring 0.6 x 0.4 x 0.3"(1.5 x 1.0 x 0.8 cm), and occurs in a rhombohedral form that usually denotes cleavage. However, this crystal's smaller relatives are quite well-protected and have the same form, so I am thinking that in this particular circumstance it is natural. There is some damage to the large crystal where it meets the border of the hollow that it has grown in. All of the crystals have the standard rosy-pink color and vitreous luster of Rhodochrosite. They also are all noticeably transparent, though heavy internal fracturing along their cleavage planes interfere with it. These crystals lay on a black botryoidal crust that is like