Description/Interesting Notes:
An amazing example of rhodochrosite with tourmaline from Brazil!!! This specimen consists of a highly complex group of rhodochrosite
crystals of
rhodochrosite in association with purplish tourmaline!!! This specimen was perhaps one of our most exciting finds at this year's
Tucson show!!! Examples of rhodochrosite from pegmatite localities are extremely rare, however examples of rhodochrosite in
association with tourmaline are UNHEARD OF!!! I have been unable to find ANY references to this association in any literature!!!
The rhodochrosite crystals exhibit a compressed triangular habit (as opposed to the more
typical rhomb) and show some complex etching and some secondary growths as well!!!
The crystals have marked luster and translucence!!! Much of the complexity seen on the
crystal faces is the result of close association with near fibrous tourmaline crystals - in person you can see that they have
created some striking areas of velveteen-like luster!!! The tourmaline crystals are purplish
in color, however there are also areas that
host very fine, needle-like crystals of pink tourmaline intergrown with the rhodochrosite visible upon close inspection!!! In addition
there are also some tiny pale bluish crystals of apatite in association as well!!! This specimen is entirely crystalline and much
better than the pictures show - it was difficult to capture such a complex specimen in the pics!!! This specimen was the largest of the group!!!
There were just four such specimens acquired from this small one
time find!!! We had met a miner who ran the operation for well over a decade and collected this specimen himself sometime
in 1992-93!!! This is a very rare and significant specimen indeed!!! You do not want to miss out on this rare opportunity!!!
Good luck and be sure to check out my other exciting mineral auctions on ebay!!! STAY TUNED!!! MORE AUCTIONS WILL BE ADDED SATURDAY NIGHT FOR A SPECIAL 5-DAY AUCTION, ENDING THURSDAY MARCH 10th!!!
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