Rhodochrosite

Chhappu, Braldu Valley, Shigar District, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

Miniature

3.6 x 2.1 x 0.6 cm

The majority of good crystallized Rhodochrosite specimens come from ore deposit localities, but occasionally you'll see Rhodochrosite pop up from an unlikely environment, like a granitic pegmatite such as this one. This unusual piece features a large flattened, tabular rhodochrosite crystal with a glowing reddish-pink color, associated with white Albite on the back. The crystal is slightly etched, and completely undamaged all around, the fact that it is fully terminated on all edges makes it remarkable. It has good lustre on the termination faces, and dull lustre on the primary, large crystal faces. A highly unusual example from this locality!