Spectacular Rhodochrosite Specimen From Argentina

Description: The rich pink color seen here is due to Rhodochrosite (Manganese Carbonate). The name is derived from Greek for pink-colored. This material is thought by some to be the result of deposition by biogenic activity. This mineral comes from the Capillitas mine region in Argentina, and is also termed Rosinca in the trade for its presumed sourcing in old Inca silver mines in the region.

The specimen has been hand-polished to a glassine finish on one side with fine carbide and diamond abrasive, a very labor-intensive job. It comes from a 30 year old deposit that is no longer available. The coloration seen here is most striking.

Its banded nature is thought by some to be much like what is seen in stromatolites. While it may well be biogenic in nature, its stomatolitic appearance is coincidental. Whatever its true nature, it is a most spectacular specimen.