LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2008 January Signature Natural History #5000  / 

48264

STOP LIGHT RED Rhodochrosite

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Rocks, Fossils & Minerals Start Price:12,500.00 USD Estimated At:15,000.00 - 17,000.00 USD
STOP LIGHT RED Rhodochrosite
<B>"STOP LIGHT RED" RHODOCHROSITE</B></I><BR><BR> <I>N'Chwaning Mine, Kalahari Manganese Fields, Northern Cape Province, South Africa. </B></I><BR>Over twenty years ago a stunning find of rose-red rhodochrosite crystals was made in South Africa. For a short while, it looked like there might be a continuing supply of these glowing jewels, but; no such luck. Though the mines continue to produce manganese ore, little or nothing approximating the original find has been produced since. This relatively large botryoid of faceting grade Rhodochrosite is from those early days when large pieces were still available. The top surface of the specimen is a semi-spherical mass of over-lapping crystal terminations. When back-lit, the brilliant, transparent red character of the piece is revealed. Most of the pieces of a similar nature have been cut into gemstones for the rare collector market. This classic specimen measures 3 x 3 3/8 x 1 inch thick. There is one small nick to one side of a crystal face; otherwise fine.<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Requires 3rd Party Shipping (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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