Detailed information
Species
Rhodochrosite
Dimensions
21 x 21 x 16
mm
Weight
12 g
Locality
N'Chwaning Mines Kuruman, Kalahari Mn. Field N. Cape Province, South Africa
Condition
NET
This is an absolutely delightful thumbnail Rhodochrosite. So attractive it is that the locality almost becomes irrelevant, but it is from one of the world's most famous manganese mines - the N'Chwaning mines in the Kalahari Manganese Field, North Cape Province, South Africa. It is a perfectly balanced dome-like aggregate of crystallized Rhodochrosite, of a stunning bright flesh-pink colour, but with a bright sparkling lustre brought about by myriad of tiny platy crystals coating its outer surface. Externally there is absolutely no damage. Internally, it has a core of dark grey black manganese oxides, possibly with a little Goethite. We don't have anything more specific relating to which of the N'Chwaning mines it came from, but it bears striking similarities to a crystal form from N'Chwaning No. 1 mine in 'The Manganese Adventure' book.