RHODOCHROSITE
Specimen rho-53

Dims: 0.7" x 0.45" x 0.4" (1.7 x 1.1 x 1 cm)

Wt: 10.9 g. w/ base

Uruchacua Mine, Ancash, Peru

Perhaps the simplest type of specimen, this Rhodocrosite consists of one incomplete but beautifully-formed crystal. It has a hexagonal prismatic shape with double shallow trigonal pyramidal terminations and is free from damage. There is a fracture line running cleanly through the crystal that neatly bisects it, but there is no separation between the two halves, and for all practical purposes the crystal's structural integrity is not compromised-- simply put, I pried it off of the putty that affixed it to its acrylic base, and it did not break. Though it is somewhat cloudy, the specimen has an impressive amount of transparency, enabling the viewer to see at least a short distance into the stone. The crystal is a rather deep pink, which is probably accentuated by a moderate spot of black matrix(likely a manganese oxide). The prism faces have subtle but complex growth patterns near their edges and a pearly to waxy luster, whereas the termination faces have much more cleanliness, and thus tend to have a pearly to vitreous luster. Though incomplete, this is a really wonderful little thumbnail specimen that is almost gem-grade.

Dims: 0.7" x 0.45" x 0.38" (1.7 x 1.1 x 1 cm)

Wt: 10.9 g. w/ base

Uruchacua Mine, Ancash, Peru

Another singular thumbnail, this specimen consists of a single scalenohedral "dogtooth" of Rhodocrosite that is affixed to a black acrylic base with hot-melt glue- removing it should be done with care. This crystal is almost complete, as a small area near its base was cleaved off, making it rest at an angle. The only other damage done to it is at its termination, where it seems that all three of the tiny basal terminations at the tip may have suffered some damage, one to the extent that an entire face is cloven off so that it appears unnatural but clean. The specimen has a pearly to waxy luster that is caused by a subtle and unusual natural texture on the main faces of the crystal. This texture interferes with the transmission of light through the crystal, which is surprisingly transparent-- one can easily see internal fractures througout the lower 80% of its length, and the upper 20% appears to be flawless. Needless to say, it has a deep pink color. One of the visible internal fractures near its base has a brownish color, likely due to a foreign material trapped in it. There is a tiny amount of black matrix visible through the crystal, likely a manganese oxide. Even with the damage, this is one of the nicest Rhodo crystals for its size that I have come across.

Dims: 2.5" x 2.125" x 1.5" (6.6 x 5 x 3.9 cm)

Wt: 4.92 oz(139.5 g.)

Uruchacua Mine, Ancash, Peru

Though only a small portion of this specimen's mass is made up of Rhodocrosite, the form of the crystals contributes most to it. There are a total of 8 complete and 5 incomplete but discernable crystals on a black mananese oxide bed that lays on the host rock. Only one of these complete crystals is larger than 1/4"(0.5 cm), and its by far the most impressive of the lot! It measures approximately 9/16"(1.5 cm), and is in the form of a scalenohedral end-to-end contact twin that has near-perfect form! One termination of one crystal is buried in the base of an incomplete dogtooth that has been cloven off an estimated 1/3 to 1/2 up its length, but the rest of it is complete with no damage. There are some barely visible striations along a few of the main faces and the entire twin has a waxy luster that interferes with the crystal's partial transparency. There are veil-like inclusions surrounding the twinning plane, but each crystal clears approaching its termination. The other crystals are much smaller and paler than the largest one, and seem to be coated with some substance that gives them almost a satiny luster. When Doris showed this specimen to me, I said,"We have to take this one!"

Dims: 2.75" x 1.75" x 2.5" (7.5 x 4.4 x 6.3 cm)

Wt: 7.76 oz(220.3 g.)

Uruchacua Mine, Ancash, Peru

About 10 or 11 substantial crystals of Rhodocrosite inhabit this specimen, though at least half of them show bright cleavage planes, denoting missing material. These crystals are located on two distinct areas on the host rock, which are coated with the black material that I am pretty sure is made up of some form of manganese oxide. These patches are set on opposite sides of the host. All of the crystals have a uniform, moderately-deep pink color and a vitreous luster. Some of them have iternal fractures that neatly bisect the crystals along cleavage planes, but these don't show any sign of separation. As a whole, the crystals are surprisingly clear; most show areas of transparency. Where complete, they show good crystal form in the shape of hexagonal prisms that are surprisingly round; in some circumstances, they resemble the bright pink grossulars that come from Charcas, in Mexico. One could nearly cut some small gems out of several of these.

Dims: 2.2" x 1.5" x 1.6" (5.5 x 5 x 4.5 cm)

Wt: 3.90 oz(110.6 g.)

Uruchacua Mine, Ancash, Peru

At least 10 crystals are embedded in the host rock of this Peruvian Rhodocrosite specimen, along with shards of several others. Most of the discernable crystals here are complete, though some do show damage in the form of cleavage planes, denoting missing material. The crystals are in the hexagonal prismatic form with trigonal basal pinacoidal terminations and are a rose-red color. They have some visible internal fracturing, which means(you guessed it!) they are transparent. They have excellent transparency, actually, and have a rounded shape and rhombic faces that make them look almost like garnets, except for their visible cleaved points. They rest on a gray botryoidal bed that makes me think of a decayed form of the manganese oxide that I am always babbling about. This is another specimen about which I told Doris, "We should have this."

Dims: 3.1" x 1.4" x 2.4" (7.9 x 3.6 x 6.1 cm)

Wt: 5.28 oz(149.7 g.)

Ancash deposit, Peru

Nestled among short quartz crystals in a hollow in the host rock of this specimen lie about 6 Rhodochrosite crystals. They occur in a short trigonal prismatic form that actually makes one think of garnets, as their form appears dodecahedral. The largest of these crystals is very exposed on the edge of the hollow; it measures about 0.2"(5 mm) in diameter and has a rose-red color, good crystal form and considerable damage to the most exposed side, so that it is not quite complete. It is transparent, however, and shows exceptional clarity where it can be determined. The other crystals are similar in color and quality, but smaller. There are many fractured and incomplete crystals around the edge of the hollow. The quartz that lines the hollow has good form and decent clarity, with a small amount of cloudiness at the center of each crystal. The hollow is set into a host rock that is likely made up of low-grade manganese oxides and silicates, along with a few tiny flecks of metallic sulfides.

Dims: 1.9" x 1.0" x 0.9" (4.8 x 2.5 x 2.3 cm)

Wt: 27.7 g

Chacqua Mine, Lima, Peru

About 6 crystals are closely gathered on a small area of this thumbnail specimen. Their size ranges from 3-4 mm to over 1/2"(1.3 cm) in width. There are actually two different crystal habits in this small area; the smaller crystals have rhombohedral form, whereas the larger ones tend to form rounded tabular platelets, that if complete would resemble calcite's "nail-head" platelets. All of these crystals have the standard rosy-pink coloration for Rhodochrosite and a vitreous to pearly luster. They are translucent with definite transparence in some spots, and a small amount of noticeable damage that is confined to edges of the larger crystals. These rest on a bed of what is likely compact manganese oxides and some metallic sulfides. It is a lovely little specimen for someone with a small place to put it.

Dims: 2.1" x 1.3" x 1.2" (5.3 x 3.3 x 3.0 cm)

Wt: 2.10 oz.(59.7 g)

Chacqua Mine, Lima, Peru

Although there are about 10 crystals on this specimen, only 7 of them are undamaged, and of those, only 1 has a diameter greater than 3 mm. They all have a rosy-pink color, vitreous luster, and are generally transparent, with patches of cloudiness. The largest of these crystals measures 0.3 x 0.3 x 0.4"(8 x 8 x 10 mm) and lies at the very edge of the specimen. It is damaged and not quite complete, having suffered cleavage, and is quite cloudy, with small patches of transparence. The smallest crystal is about 2 mm in diameter and has a pale pink color. All of these crystals lay on a gray botryoidal crust that is likely related to psilomelane, or manganese "wad". The pink color of the shiny crystals makes a pretty contrast to the dull gray lumpiness of their bed. The base rock under the crust is layered, and probably contains manganese oxides and silicates and metallic sulfides.

Dims: 2.4" x 2.1" x 1.2" (6.1 x 5.3 x 3.0 cm)

Wt: 4.32 oz.(122.6 g)

Chacqua Mine, Lima, Peru

Several crystals are closely gathered together in a hollow in what is likely a manganese oxide/silicate host rock. The crystals have a maximum diameter of about 0.4"(1.0 cm) and a minimum of about 3 mm. They are rosy-pink in coloration(the smaller crystals tend to appear a bit paler) and have vitreous luster and visible transparence, though all them have cloudy patches. These crystals seem to have attempted to terminate with hexagonal pyramids, leaving most of them incomplete; however, two crystals that I have studied closely seem to have pentagonal, 5-sided terminations. They are quite odd-looking. A few of the crystals are damaged, but the damage is confined to the exposed sides of crystals that are on the edge of the hollow.

Dims: 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

Dims: 1.3" x 1.3" x 0.9" (3.3 x 3.3 x 2.3 cm)

Wt: 1.26 oz. (35.9 g)

Chacqua Mine, Lima, Peru

This simple specimen consists of one rhombohedral crystal that measures 0.4 x 0.3 x 0.3" (1.0 x 0.8 x 0.8 cm). It shows no damage, though it may have been cloven into that form. It has a moderate pink coloration and a vitreous luster that enables one to see clearly into it. It is transparent, and though it is heavily internally fractured and shows some cloudy inclusions, there are visible areas of clarity. There is a fragment of a badly crushed crystal next to it, and both of these crystals lay on a bed of black manganese oxides that partially coats the gray host rock. It is a pretty little specimen that may be appropriate for a younger collector.

Dims: 3.2" x 2.7" x 1.7" (8.1 x 6.9 x 4.3 cm)

Wt: 14.9 oz. (421 g)

unknown

Finally, a massive piece of banded Rhodochrosite! This piece is not very large, but weighs in at almost a pound. There is a considerable amount of a pale brown matrix rock on the piece, but it is at least 75% Rhodochrosite by weight. A "fault" runs through part of the rock, and the layers are not quite lined up on each side of it. A smooth but dull and slightly concave face has been cut into one area; it was obviously done with a large wheel. Most of the material has a moderately pale pink color that is separated by thin, cream-colored bands, but there are a few thin bands of darker pink coloration. One could easily use this material as a supply of cutting rough- it is of a reasonably good quality.

Dims: 4.2" x 3.3" x 1.9" (10.7 x 8.4 x 4.8 cm)

Wt: 6.13 oz. (173.7 g)

Chihuahua, Mexico

Many of the aspects of this Rhodochrosite specimen are rather odd. Aside from the fact that this specimen is Mexican, the material itself has an unusual occurrence. It takes on the form of small, round clusters of radiating and tightly compact crystals that are mostly intergrown into a thin, botryoidal crust which coats a thick section of a pale brown host rock. These clusters have an average diameter of 0.1 - 0.2" (3-5 mm), and though a few are obviously damaged, most are in excellent condition. A cross-section of the crust shows a very thin (1 mm thick or less) layer of pink compact, fibrous and radiating needles that rest on a cream-colored bottom layer that has pink highlights. The outer surfaces of these clusters is stained an almost orange coloration by either a manganese or an iron oxide coating that also coats parts of the base rock. The base rock itself is extremely odd in that it is composed of a mudstone or siltstone that has an exceptionally low density. It is criss-crossed with thin, straight veins of the oxide that coats its upper surface.

Dims: 1.1" x 0.9" x 0.5" (2.8 x 2.3 x 1.3 cm)

Wt: 21.3 g

Blueberry Pocket, GPR Drift, Sweet Home Mine, Alma, Colorado, U.S.A.

A single rhombohedral Rhodochrosite crystal constitutes this thumbnail specimen. Though upon first glance it appears to be heavily cleaved, it has not been damaged since it has been mined; all of its faces have a dull luster, which does not denote fresh cleavage surfaces. Its form is slightly irregular, due to probable cleavage prior to its mining, but it still has several well-defined edges and clean faces that possess a rather dull, waxy luster. It has the classic, deep pink-red coloration that is a hallmark of Rhodochrosite and shows a very dim transparence in several areas, so that one can see the substantial internal fracturing that runs along the crystal's cleavage planes. There is no host rock present.

Dims: 0.7 x 0.6 x 0.6" (1.8 x 1.5 x 1.5 cm)

Wt: 8.7 g w/ stand

Corner Pocket, Water Course Raise, Sweet Home Mine, Alma, Colorado, U.S.A.

This small thumbnail specimen consists of a cluster of the finest Rhodochrosite crystals that I have ever seen! There are at least 10 discernable crystals present on this piece, but only 3 of these exceed 0.2" (5 mm) in any dimension. These three range in size from 0.5 x 0.4 x 0.4" (1.3 x 1.0 x 1.0 cm) to 0.3 x 0.2 x 0.1" (8 x 5 x 3 mm). They are in exceptional condition, as only two areas of slight damage are noticeable. Their trigonal rhombohedral form is magnificent- I have never seen sharper edges or smoother sides on such crystals of any carbonate mineral. All have the standard deep pink-red coloration and a vitreous luster. They are transparent and very clear, though a

Dims: 1.0 x 0.9 x 0.5" (2.5 x 2.3 x 1.3 cm)

Wt: 18.0 g w/ specimen box

Uchuc-Chaqua Mine, Oron Province, Lima Department, Peru

A single trigonal Rhodochrosite crystal rests on the shattered crystalline Rhodochrosite base of this thumbnail specimen. This crystal is in fairly good condition, as its termination tip seems to be chipped and a large crack runs through it, but I do not think that any of the damage occurred prior to its mining. Its scalenohedral form is slightly warped but still quite good, with well-defined edges and clean faces that possess a dull pearly luster. The crystal has a deep pink-red coloration and is dimly transparent, as it contains many internal fractures that are aligned along its cleavage planes and a few cloudy inclusions. It is hot-glued into a plastic specimen box.

Dims: 0.9 x 0.9 x 0.8" (2.3 x 2.3 x 2.0 cm)

Wt: 18.5 g

Uruchaqua Mine, Ancash Department, Peru

This small thumbnail specimen consists of a cut section of a Rhodochrosite stalactite whose cut faces have been polished. It is in moderately fair condition, as there is considerable visible human-induced damage on its uncut surfaces. These natural faces show crystalline tendencies, but intense intergrowth prevented definite crystalline shapes from forming. One portion of these surfaces shows a dull, pink coloration and a matte luster, but most of it is covered with a dusting of some other mineral. This dusting thickens to form a definite crust in one area, and a small spot of damage to this crust reveals a mineral layer that has a moderately dark silvery-gray coloration and a metallic luster. This layer is also visible on the edges of the polished surfaces, but I do not know what mineral or metal it is. The "core" of the stalactite section is made up of several layers of semicrystalline Rhodochrosite that are separated by bands of paler, more massive material. Their color ranges from deep pink to a pale cream coloration that has a pink tinge. It is opaque as far as this piece is concerned, though if cut into thin slices, the material would likely be translucent.

Dims: 1.3 x 0.8 x 0.5" (3.3 x 2.0 x 1.3 cm)

Wt: 15.5 g

Uruchaqua Mine, Ancash Department, Peru

A slice of two partially intersecting Rhodochrosite stalactites makes up this thumbnail specimen. It is in moderately good condition, as only one side of the piece has been ground flat and polished- the other side is rough and quite uneven, showing a pearly luster. Both sides enable the viewer to see the concentric banding of pale and deep pink coloration that represents respective layers of more massive and more crystalline Rhodochrosite. Immediately surrounding the manganese carbonate mineral is a very thin layer of a metal or a mineral that, when viewed on the polished face of the piece, has a moderately dark silvery-gray color and a metallic luster- I do not know what this material is. This metallic layer is in turn coated with the outer "skin" of the stalactite, which is relatively smooth, though uneven, and has a matte luster. This outer layer has a dull pinkish-gray coloration, though some areas are dusted with what appears to be a dark gray, possibly metallic powder.

Dims: 1.4 x 1.4 x 0.4" (3.6 x 3.6 x 1.0 cm)

Wt: 18.5 g

Uruchaqua Mine, Ancash Department, Peru

This thumbnail specimen consists of a slice off of the very end of a Rhodochrosite stalactite. Thus, the piece only has one cut, polished face that shows the beautiful deep-to-pale pink coloration and concentric layering that are the primary characteristics of such formations. Some of the Rhodochrosite is obviously semicrystalline, and this material tends to have the darkest color. It is most likely translucent to dimly transparent, though the outer crust of the stalactite prevents the transmission of any light. This outer crust has a dirty gray-brown coloration with hints of pink, and is noticeably rust-stained. Only a small amount of fresh breakage is visible on this portion of the piece, which is generally in excellent condition.

Dims: 2.0 x 1.3 x 1.2" (5.1 x 3.3 x 3.0 cm)

Wt: 2.42 oz. (68.7 g)

Uruchaqua Mine, Ancash Department, Peru

A portion of at least 7 intergrown Rhodochrosite stalactites makes up this large thumbnail specimen. This section shows considerable breakage on one side, where the stalactites were separated from their bases, but due to the presence of rust on the broken surfaces, this damage may have occurred prior to mining. The other end of the section has been cut generally flat and polished to a moderate gloss. Through it, one can clearly see the alternating pale and deep pink concentric bands of massive and semicrystalline Rhodochrosite. A few of the bands show noticeable transparence, but the paler layers are probably only dimly translucent at best. The natural outer surface of the stalactites is heavily rust-stained in some areas and dusted with a fine, pale gray, powdery substance (which I actually think is polishing compound), but it still has a moderate pink coloration and a generally dull luster. Its surface texture alternates between mammillary and crystalline, with a few faces possessing a pearly luster. Like most such specimens, there is no host rock of any form present.

Dims: 0.6 x 0.6 x 0.3" (1.5 x 1.5 x 0.8 cm)

Wt: 13.5 g w/ base

Sweet Home Mine, Alma District, Park County, Colorado, U.S.A.

Though not the best quality Rhodochrosite specimen that I have seen, I certainly think that this piece is the most unique. It consists of a single, flat rhombohedral crystal that shows light to moderate damage along a few of its edges. It has excellent form, otherwise, with sharp edges and clean faces that possess the standard pearly luster. Its rosy-pink color is slightly pale, and the crystal is transparent with dim to moderate clarity due to the presence of internal fractures and the odd cloudy inclusion. What sets it apart from all others that I have seen is the obvious presence of a violet fluorite crystal that is directly attached to it. The fluorite is odd in and of itself, as it has a dodecahedral form- I have never seen a natural dodecahedral fluorite before this. It would seem that it initially formed a violet cube which was then overgrown by colorless, transparent material that took on the dodecahedral form. There is no host rock present, and the specimen is hot-glued onto an acrylic base.

Dims: 1.0 x 0.8 x 0.6" (2.5 x 2.0 x 1.5 cm)

Wt: 11.2 g w/ base

Mount Saint Hilaire, Quebec, Canada

Though the Rhodochrosite on this specimen is of very low quality, the fact that it comes from Canada makes it a rather unusual specimen. It consists of at least 12 small rhombohedral crystals that do not exceed 0.4" (1.0 cm) along any axis. There is not much damage visible on the piece, but the crystals are so heavily intergrown that some of them are badly warped. Even so, most of them still have well-defined edges and clean faces. Their color is a pale reddish-brown, their luster is pearly, and all are essentially opaque even in sunlight. A small portion of a white prismatic crystal accompanies the Rhodochrosite- I do not think that it is calcite, because the crystal form is wrong, and it does not effervesce in concentrated hydrochloric acid. There is no host rock present, and the specimen is hot-glued onto a square, flat acrylic base.

Dims: 1.0 x 0.8 x 0.5" (2.5 x 2.0 x 1.3 cm)

Wt: 18.6 g w/ base

Silverton, Colorado, U.S.A.

This small thumbnail specimen consists of an incomplete Rhodochrosite rhombohedron. The specimen is in excellent condition, however, as the piece broke off of the corresponding crystal long before it was mined, and partly healed over. Even the breakage surface on its reverse shows good rhombohedral form- its edges are moderately well-defined, and its faces are reasonably clean and possess a dull pearly-to-waxy luster. Its color is the deep rose-red for which this mineral is noted, and dim clarity can be seen, though I think that the dull patina on its surface provides much interference. It is clear enough, however, so that one can see a few large internal fractures inside of it. There is no host rock present, and the piece is silicon-glued onto a small acrylic base.

Dims: 0.6 x 0.6 x 0.4" (1.5 x 1.5 x 1.1 cm)

Wt: 3.4 g

Uruchacua Mine, Ancash Department, Peru

This small thumbnail specimen is made up of at least 6 intergrown Rhodochrosite crystals. These crystals reach maximum dimensions of 0.5 x 0.3 x 0.1" (1.3 x 0.8 x 0.3 cm) and are generally in very good condition- only one appears to show any damage, and this is minor. All have excellent trigonal tabular form that reminds me of "nailhead" calcites. Their basal edges are rounded by tiny graduations, but those on the edges of each tablet are very well-defined. Their faces are clean, possessing a bright pearly luster. All have the deep pink coloration that is common for this species and are translucent, showing patches of dim transparence. A connected druse of tiny quartz crystals is the only other material that is present, and the piece is affixed to flat base with a removable putty.

Dims: 5.8 x 4.7 x 1.8" (14.7 x 11.9 x 4.6 cm)

Wt: 1 lb., 8.4 oz. (691 g)

Uruchacua Mine, Ancash Department, Peru

This large hand specimen consists of several dozen dull Rhodochrosite clusters that rest on a crystalline quartz base. These clusters reach up to 0.6" (1.5 cm) in diameter and in one area are intergrown to form a crust of sorts. They are in good condition, showing little damage, and could be construed as rosettes, as they have the proper form. Each cluster is made up of many tiny, heavily-intergrown Rhodochrosite blades. These blades have reasonably good form, though they are heavily intergrown, and have a dull brownish-pink color and an equally dull, matte luster. All are essentially opaque. Around the large clusters are scattered many tiny clusters, each of which is made up of only a few blades. These are nestled among the quartz crystals that make up the base. These crystals do not exceed 0.4" (1.0 cm) in length, and though they are well-formed, appear dull and frosted. It would seem that the entire piece underwent substantial weathering.

Dims: 1.7 x 1.6 x 0.9" (4.3 x 4.1 x 2.3 cm)

Wt: 27.9 g w/ base

Mount Saint Hilaire, Quebec, Canada

At least 2 intersecting crusts partly coat the microcline base of this small hand specimen. Each of these crusts is in good condition, showing little damage, and is made up of hundreds of tiny, intergrown Rhodochrosite crystals. These crystals do not exceed 0.1" (3 mm) in diameter and show excellent trigonal rhombohedral form, with well-defined edges and clean faces. All have a deep red-brown coloration and a dull pearly luster, and are essentially opaque under normal light. The crusts appear to be accompanied by one or two random aegirine crystals, one of which is broken and mostly incomplete. All rest on a base of crystalline microcline that shows moderately good form and is hot-glued to a flat, square acrylic base.

Dims: 5.3 x 3.6 x 2.7" (13.5 x 9.1 x 6.9 cm)

Wt: 1 lb., 7.1 oz. (653 g)

Raura Mine, Peru

Countless clusters of tiny Rhodochrosite crystals are intergrown to form this cabinet specimen. Though there is much visible damage on this piece, most of it appears to have occurred before it was mined. Most of the clusters appear to actually be made of calcite, having a dull brown coloration or no color at all, but several are pale pink. Each cluster is made up of scores of tiny, heavily-intergrown crystals that appear to have good trigonal prismatic form and a pearly luster that gives the rock a dull sparkle. They are translucent and sometimes partly covered by small, dull, white nodules. Many small pyrite cubes are partly embedded in the Rhodochrosite/calcite matrix, but most of these are broken and incomplete.

Dims: 3.1 x 2.0 x 1.8" (8.0 x 5.1 x 4.7 cm)

Wt: 9.1 oz. (259 g)

Chacqua Mine, Ancash Department, Peru

At least 20 very small Rhodochrosite crystals rest on one end of the base of this hand specimen. These crystals do not exceed 0.3" (8 mm) in length or 0.1" (3 mm) in diameter and are in fair condition, as many are damaged. Where intact, they show excellent trigonal "dogtooth" form and a deep, rose-red coloration. All are transparent and impressively clear. They rest on a thin bed of what I think is botryoidal manganese oxide that rests on the base.

Dims: 2.0 x 2.0 x 1.0" (5.1 x 5.1 x 2.5 cm)

Wt: 1.87 oz. (53.1 g)

Raura Mine, Ancash Department, Peru

This small hand specimen consists of a crust of pale pink Rhodochrosite that coats a pyrite-and-quartz base. The crust is composed of hundreds of small, intergrown blades that are in good condition but appear to be somewhat weathered. They are a bit too intergrown to study in detail. The crust is translucent and is generally dull in luster, though it does show a faint, sparse sparkle.

Dims: 4.8 x 2.5 x 1.9" (12.2 x 6.4 x 4.8 cm)

Wt: 1 lb., 0.0 oz. (455.0 g)

Raura Mine, Ancash Department, Peru

This small cabinet specimen consists of a quartz base on which rest scores of tiny Rhodochrosite blades, among other minerals. These blades do not generally exceed 0.1" (3 mm) in diameter and are generally in good condition. Their form is moderately good due to rather intense intergrowth and noticeable weathering, and their pale pink color is likewise faded and often discolored to a grayish tinge. Accompanying the Rhodochrosite are a few druses of tiny quartz crystals, a few tiny pyrites, many broken sphalerites and a few broken galenas.

Dims: 0.8 x 0.7 x 0.6" (2.0 x 1.9 x 1.5 cm)

Wt: 5 g

Sunnyside Mine, Silverton, San Juan County, Colorado, U.S.A.

A cluster of intersecting Rhodochrosite crystals makes up this thumbnail piece. The largest of these crystals has dimensions of 0.4 x 0.4 x 0.2" (1.1 x 1.0 x 0.4 cm) and like the others, is in very good condition, showing almost no damage. Their trigonal form is essentially tabular, looking like rhombohedrons that have been flattened along one plane. All have a bright pink coloration and a pearly luster, and are translucent. A few tiny specks of a dark mineral are present, but there is no host rock.

Dims: 1.2 x 0.9 x 0.7" (3.0 x 2.3 x 1.9 cm)

Wt: 0.7 oz. (19 g)

Strawberry Pocket, Fluorite Raise, Sweet Home Mine, Alma, Colorado, U.S.A.

This splendid thumbnail piece consists of at least 5 intergrown Rhodochrosite crystals. These crystals are in excellent condition, showing no appreciable damage, and reach dimensions of approximately 0.7 x 0.6 x 0.6" (2.7 x 2.4 x 2.2 cm). The other crystals are considerably smaller and less complete. All show excellent trigonal rhombohedral form, though the large crystal shows an early, healed cleavage separation, so that one portion of the crystal is not quite aligned with the larger. The smaller crystals show some uneven surfaces, but these are quite healed and show definite crystalline tendencies. The Rhodochrosite has the classic deep rose pink color of this locality and a nearly vitreous luster, and is transparent and moderately clear. There is no base or host rock present, and a few clusters of small, well-formed quartz crystals rest in a few areas on the specimen. This is a beautiful specimen.

Dims: 1.7 x 1.2 x 1.1" (4.3 x 3.0 x 2.8 cm)

Wt: 0.7 oz. (20 g)

Mount Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada

At least 5 Rhodochrosite crystals rest on the calcareous base of this hand specimen. These crystals are in excellent condition, showing no damage, and reach dimensions of 0.6 x 0.4 x 0.4" (1.5 x 1.0 x 1.0 cm). The largest ones have the best trigonal prismatic form, and all have a deep, rather dull red-pink color and a dull pearly luster. They are translucent, but only dimly so. The Rhodochrosites are accompanied on their base by many elpidite spikes of varying size and what appear to be many tiny "books" of muscovite or perhaps zinnwaldite.

Dims: 1.0 x 0.9 x 0.7" (2.5 x 2.2 x 1.9 cm)

Wt: 0.4 oz. (10 g)

Sunnyside Mine, Silverton, San Juan County, Colorado, U.S.A.

A few clusters of small Rhodochrosite crystals rest on the quartz base of this thumbnail piece. There are at least 8 crystals in all, and they are generally in fair condition, as most of them are damaged or broken. The largest of these measures 0.4 x 0.3 x 0.2" (1.0 x 0.7 x 0.5 cm) and is also broken, showing a fresh cleavage plane that has a brighter pearly luster than that of the undamaged surfaces. All have a moderate to pale pink color and are translucent and milky. Their trigonal form is reasonably good. The base is made up partly of quartz covered with a fine druse, and partly of more, lower quality Rhodochrosite that is heavily damaged and intergrown.

Dims: 0.6 x 0.6 x 0.5" (1.6 x 1.5 x 1.4 cm)

Wt: 2 g

Sweet Home Mine, Alma, Colorado, U.S.A.

Three intersecting Rhodochrosites make up the bulk of this small thumbnail piece. These crystals average 0.3 x 0.3 x 0.2" (8 x 8 x 6 mm) in size and are in excellent condition, showing almost no appreciable damage. The crystals have excellent rhombohedral form, with sharp edges and clean faces that have a bright pearly luster. Their deep pink-red color is also standard, and all are transparent and moderately to very clear, containing few internal fractures and inclusions. A few quartz crystals extend through the crystals, and some of them are broken- this is the only damage that I can see to the piece.

Dims: 1.3 x 1.1 x 0.5" (3.4 x 2.8 x 1.3 cm)

Wt: 0.4 oz. (12 g)

Sweet Home Mine, Alma, Colorado, U.S.A.

At least 12 small Rhodochrosite crystals rest on the galena base of this large thumbnail piece. These crystals do not exceed 0.3" (8 mm) along any axis but are generally in very good condition - a few appear to be slightly damaged. All have excellent rhombohedral form, with sharp edges and clean faces that show off their bright pearly luster. Their pink-red color is rather pale, but that is likely due to their small size. All are transparent and moderately clear, as each contains several internal cleavage planes. Many tiny quartz crystals accompany the Rhodochrosites on the galena base, which appears to contain a small amount of pyrite.

Dims: 0.7 x 0.4 x 0.3" (1.9 x 1.0 x 0.8 cm)

Wt: 2 g

Sweet Home Mine, Alma, Colorado, U.S.A.

Three intergrown Rhodochrosite crystals make up this small thumbnail specimen. These crystals measure 0.4 x 0.3 x 0.2" (1.0 x 0.8 x 0.5 cm) on average and are in very good condition, showing what appears to be older, minor damage. All have excellent rhombohedral form and show the standard pink-red color and bright pearly luster of their specie. They are transparent but only dimly to moderately clear at best, due to the presence of cloudy inclusions and internal cleavage planes. A few small quartz crystals extend through the Rhodochrosites, but there is no host rock present.

Dims: 1.9 x 1.0 x 0.4" (4.9 x 2.4 x 0.9 cm)

Wt: 8 g

Sweet Home Mine, Alma, Colorado, U.S.A.

Two Rhodochrosite crystals rest on the quartz-bearing base of this small hand specimen. The larger of these crystals has dimensions of 0.4 x 0.4 x 0.3" (1.0 x 0.9 x 0.8 cm), and the other is much smaller, having dimensions of about 0.1 x 0.1 x 0.1" (3 x 3 x 2 mm). Both are in excellent condition, showing only a small amount of damage, if any, and excellent rhombohedral form. Their pink color is slightly paler than many specimens from this locality, but all have the standard pearly-to-vitreous luster and are transparent and moderately clear. They rest upon a base of assorted sulfides that is encrusted with many small, white quartz crystals.

Dims: 0.9 x 0.7 x 0.6" (2.2 x 1.7 x 1.4 cm)

Wt: 4 g

Sweet Home Mine, Alma, Colorado, U.S.A.

This thumbnail piece consists of at least 6 intersecting Rhodochrosite rhombohedra. These crystals are in excellent condition, showing only very minor damage, and reach dimensions of 0.4 x 0.3 x 0.3" (1.0 x 0.8 x 0.8 cm). All show excellent trigonal-based form and have the standard deep pink color and pearly-to-vitreous luster. All are moderately transparent, showing considerable cloudiness and several internal cleavage planes. Apart from a few tiny quartz crystals, there is no other material present on the piece.

Dims: 0.7 x 0.6 x 0.4" (1.7 x 1.5 x 1.1 cm)

Wt: 3 g

Sweet Home Mine, Alma, Colorado, U.S.A.

Three rhombohedral Rhodochrosite crystals comprise the bulk of this small hand specimen. At first glance, the three crystals appear to intersect, but close examination reveals that the largest (by length) of the crystals is held to the others by several of the tiny quartz cystals that make up the remainder of this specimen. The dozen or more quartz crystals clearly formed first, and some are doubly terminated, a few are more than 10 mm in length, but none are as much as 1 mm in thickness. All three rhodochrosite crystals are in excellent condition, showing very little damage, if any, and two of them (the smaller ones) have excellent rhombohedral form. The largest crystal shows an appealing stepped pattern of its faces, and is the prettiest of the three, in my opinion. Their pink color is slightly paler than the best specimens from the Sweet Home Mine, but they do have the standard pearly-to-vitreous luster and are transparent and moderately clear.

Dims: 3.7x1.1x1.5" (9.4x2.7x3.7cm)

Wt: 1.61 oz. (45.5g)

Porcelain Pocket, Fluorite Raise, Sweet Home Mine, Alma, Colorado, USA

This pretty specimen is a shard of quartz & calcite (and a sprinkling of pyrite) whose surface is covered with a druze of centimeter long fine, transparent quartz crystals. And perched at the two ends are nice rhodochrosite crystals. Actually, there are a half dozen rhodo crystals at each end, but only the largest are really noteworthy. Unfortunately, the largest crystal is also the one showing damage to three corners and the edges near one end. The rhodochrosite is very transparent, with only centrally located cleavage planes to mar the gemmy perfection.

Dims: 1.38x1.32x0.77" (3.51x3.35x1.95cm)

Wt: 0.50oz (14.2g)

Kertsh Peninsula, Ukrtsh, Black Sea

This is a fossil shell where the original material has been replaced with rhodochrosite. It is also possible that the shell becamed lined with rhodochrosite before it disolved away - some such explanation is needed to explain the flat area filled with rhodochrosite at the bottom of the specimen. Part of the outer surface of the specimen holds dozens of tiny black metallic dull to glassy nodules, which I believe to be manganese, but of course they could be something else. I purchased this specimen from a Russian miner - the location given is my best guess at his handwriting.

Dims: 1.60x1.14x0.66" (4.07x2.88x1.68cm)

Wt: 0.37oz (10.5g)

Kertsh Peninsula, Ukrtsh, Black Sea

This is a clam shell fossil, where the fossilization is due to replacement by rhodochrosite. Naturally, there is no hint of crystal structure - the rhodochrosite is essentially a massive form. It is slightly translucent, and pink, with a dull luster. The inner shape of the clam shell is copied in the rhodochrosite.

Dims: 1.46x0.88x0.49" (3.70x2.24x1.25cm)

Wt: 0.61oz (17.3g)

Sweet Home Mine, Alma, Colorado, USA

A single large rhodochrosite crystal is perched on a host rock consisting of a mass of metal sulfides (including pyrite and sphalerite among others) and well-formed prismatic quartz crystals. Actually, the rhodochrosite crystal rests on several smaller rhodo's, all of which have excellent rhombohedral form and a pale pink color. They are moderately transparent with many internal fractures. There is a noticeable spot of damage where the host rock broke off during mining, taking an end of the rhodochrosite crystal with it (near the left of the specimen in the image). Now for some extras: first, a tiny portion of the rhodo shades to a creamy yellow color - it must be another mineral, or a very unusual impurity. There are several tiny spots of a yellow mineral scattered over the specimen, and on the bottom are two tiny but pretty cubes of blue fluorite.

Dims: 2.10x1.57x0.73" (5.34x4.00x1.85cm)

Wt: 2.04oz (57.7g)

Uruchaqua Mine, Ancash Department, Peru

This is a fragment of a rhodochrosite stalactite, cut and polished to a high gloss on one surface to reveal the beauty of the rhodochrosite. It appears that a base of a black mineral (possibly manganite or hematite) that includes spots of a metal sulfide which may be pyrite but might also be the rare manganese sulfide alabandite, has multiple layers of rhodochrosite crystals in various sizes, capped with a half-dozen concentric rings of microcrystalline rhodochrosite. The final layer around the specimen is probably calcite with a yellowish color and no signs of crystals. There is a broken, old, weathered surface on the specimen which reveals some rhodochrosite crystals by way of fractures and cleavage surfaces.

Dims: 1.56x1.26x0.84" (3.96x3.21x2.13cm)

Wt: 1.11oz (31.4g)

Catamarca, Argentina

This is a fragment of a rhodochrosite stalactite, cut and polished on three sides so that it stands and displays nicely. Its color is a very pretty pink, and the rhodochrosite is translucent, nearly transparent. There are many internal fractures. On one side, the concentric growth pattern is visible, and a loupe resolves it into a series of sawtooth patterns revealing individual crystals outlined in white.

Dims: 1.56x1.00x0.83" (3.97x2.54x2.10cm)

Wt: 1.25oz (35.3g)

Catamarca, Argentina

This in a cute little specimen of rhodochrosite. It is completely polished, and shows several concentric layers of transparent rhodochrosite separated by very thin white layers (mostly a white rhodochrosite). The bottom of the specimen is hollow, and lined with what appears to be manganocalcite (not rhodochrosite), based upon its blue fluorescence under long-wave ultraviolet light.

Dims: 0.64x0.59x0.40in (1.63x1.49x1.02cm)

0.12oz (3.4g) .... Loc: Sweet Home Mine, Alma, Colorado, USA

A single rhobohedral crystal of rhodochrosite dominates this specimen. It has a moderate amount of damage and a rather average pink color. THere is a small amount of host rock which looks like quartz crystals and sphalerite.

dims mm=13.98x12.83x9.62

wt g=2.6

Sweet Home Mine, Alma, Colorado, USA

There are a number of rhodochrosite crystals in this specimen, but the largest comprises two thirds of the total weight. There is minor damage to its edges and points, and it has a relatively pale color and minor damage to edges and points, but the crystal is nicely shaped. It is accompanied by numerous tiny prismatic quartz crystals which largely coat two of the crystal faces.

dims mm=18.66x13.94x8.75

wt g=3.6

Sweet Home Mine, Alma, Colorado, USA

A pale rhobohedral crystal of rhodochrosite rests atop a matrix of intergrown tetrahedrite and prismatic quartz crystals. The rhodochrosite shows a slight parting along two cleavage planes, and has noticable damage to the most exposed edge and corners.