Slice from a cluster of RHODOCHROSITE STALACTITES from the famous Capillitas mine in Argentina. The dozens of creme-colored “straws” are quite striking. Three years ago, the mine was taken over by the government to mine silver and copper. No more Rhodochrosite will come from this mine.

Cross section of a RHODOCHROSITE STALACTITE from the famous Capillitas mine in Argentina. Since most of the Rhodochrosite from this mine is sold to make jewelry, it is priced according to weight. This piece weighs 25 grams. At US$8 per gram, the price is $200. Three years ago, the mine was taken over by the government to mine silver and copper. No more Rhodochrosite will come from this mine.

Cross section of a RHODOCHROSITE STALACTITE from the famous Capillitas mine in Argentina. Since most of the Rhodochrosite from this mine is sold to make jewelry, it is priced according to weight. This piece weighs 42 grams. At US$8 per gram, the price is $336. Three years ago, the mine was taken over by the government to mine silver and copper. No more Rhodochrosite will come from this mine.

Reddish-Pink RHODOCHROSITE with minor Tetrahedrite and Chalcopyrite from The Sweet Home Mine in Colorado.

Reddish-Pink RHODOCHROSITE with minor Galena and Pyrite from The Sweet Home Mine in Colorado.

Double-terminated, Scalenohedral Rhodochrosite from Uchucchacua Mine, Peru

Very pretty and showy gem lustrous red scalenohedral crystals of rhodochrosite are set on matrix. The largest rhodochrosite crystal is double-terminated and measures 17 mm in length. Excellent cherry-red color. Glassy to Vitreous luster.

Location: Uchucchacua Mine, Oyon Province, Lima Department, Peru

Specimen size: 5.0 x 3.4 x 3.2 cm (2.0 x 1.3 x 1.3 inch) Miniature

Specimen weight: 70 grams (2.5 oz)