A beautiful rhodochrosite from the Capillitas mining district, in the Catamarca Province of Argentina. This material is well-known amongst collectors, as this is the only locality in the world that produces these banded stalactites and concretions of layered rhodochrosite. It is known colloquially as "Inca Rose", although there is no evidence to support that the deposit was exploited so long ago. It first appears in the literature in 1873, though natives likely mined the placer deposits for gold in pre-Colombian times. It is stunning when cut and polished, often showing beautiful patterns and layered growth - much like the rings on the cross section of a tree.
This piece shows several intergrown rhodo stalactites that have a deep red-pink color (most are pink). The cores of the stalactites are an off-white color that have been overgrown again and again by varying layers of red to pink to off-white rhodochrosite. The front has been sliced and polished to reveal these stunning patterns. The piece is in good condition with no significant damage.
Dimensions: 1.21 x 1.12 x 1.05 in (3 x 2.8 x 2.6 cm)
