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CC63033

RHODOCHROSITE

RHODOCHROSITE


Size:
66 x 87 x 44 mm
Weight:
402 g
Regular price $9,000.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $9,000.00 USD
Sale Sold out
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Detailed information

Species Rhodochrosite
Dimensions 66 x 87 x 44 mm
Weight 402 g
Locality N'Chwaning Mines Kuruman, Kalahari Mn. Field N. Cape Province, South Africa
Condition No recorded repairs
Commenced during the 1960s, the N'Chwaning mines in the Kalahari Manganese Field, Northern Cape Province, South Africa struck black gold, in a tract of land now known to hold the world's largest concentration of land-based manganese oxides. Within the complex but rather dull-looking ore were occasional pockets of exceptional Rhodochrosite - manganese carbonate - crystals in the most perfect crystal shapes and intense red, gemmy crystals. The full story can be read about in the book, The Manganese Adventure. The crystals form beds of glossy highly elongated scalenohedral crystals developed in compact parallel groups. The sides of this specimen show a cross-section through a bed of elongated Rhodochrosite crystals and show where the sample was trimmed from a larger block, or the edges of the cavity within which it was found. This cross-section is itself quite pretty, showing the transition from black manganese oxides at its core, through cream and red and orange shades of Rhodochrosite. Across the spiky, yet domed top of the specimen, many crystals do show damage to their terminations - usually cleaved tips - but they still present extremely well as bright reflective surfaces and the intact crystals show great scalenohedral forms with a pinkish red colour to their terminations. Specimens as large as this are few and far between and if undamaged would have certainly fetched high five-figures, if not more, such is their iconic status and desirability. Although some of the mines are still operating, significant crystallized Rhodochrosite specimens have not been seen for many decades and have been locked up in private collections since then. This is a significant and substantial display specimen from this diminishing supply and long revered as a worldwide classic. The sort of specimen most collectors dream of.

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I bought a specimen but it is not what I expected or was damaged in transit. Can I return the specimen?

Inevitably, sometimes things don't go as expected. Whether the specimen is damaged in transit or the identity is incorrect, we are aware that this can result in the return of a specimen.If your specimen is damaged during shipping, it is vitally important to take a photo of the packaging and specimen in situ. By recording this, we get an idea of the nature and possible reason behind the damage and will be able to process the return much faster.If you discover that the mineral species has been misidentified, we require details of the method of identification in order to understand why you believe this to be the case. If the identity is in question but no formal analysis has been attempted, Crystal Classics will assess the situation on a case-by-case basis. In some instances, this may mean the specimen is sent for analysis to determine the identity.In any scenario where a specimen is analysed and the species in question is not present on the specimen, we will provide a full refund.If you feel that the specimen was misrepresented in any way, please ensure you make contact with us within the 30 day grace period for resolution.In all instances, please ensure that you call or e-mail us immediately, prior to the return of a specimen to Crystal Classics, so that we can advise regarding the returns procedure. Failure to contact us prior to the return of a specimen may lead to the rejection of your return.Shipping costs of all returns are to be covered by the customer, unless the specimen was damaged in transit or if the identity is incorrect.