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 consists several generation of rhodochrosite that formed together into this concretion. It was then sawn and polished on the front face to reveal this beautifully intiricate pattern of reds, pinks and off-whites. This specimen is interesting because not only do you see multiple stages of growth, but you see that each stage is a different habit. We have obvious crystals; we have banded layers, and we have a true stalactite with a full center at the top. The outer rind is still visible on the backside as a tan, iron-stained layer. This specimen is great for the collector or would also be good for a lapidary, as the piece is rather chunky and appears to be mostly rhodochrosite within. It is in good condition with no significant damage to report.
Dimensions: 2.87 x 2.33 x 1.04 in (7.3 x 5.9 x 2.6 cm)
