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 stunning when cut and polished, often showing beautiful patterns and layered growth - much like the rings on the cross section of a tree. This specimen is a partial stalactite that shows many layers of rhodochrosite from white to cream to pink. The outer rind is crystallized rhodochrosite, while the front has been sliced and polished to show the banding. The piece is in good condition with no significant damage to report.
