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Rhodochrosite with quartz
Chip Clark
Specimen | Catalog Number | Locality | Weight |
---|---|---|---|
Rhodochrosite | NMNH 147520 | Peru, Ancash |
Gift of Mary H. Stuart.
Rhodochrosite is a manganese carbonate, typically found associated with manganese ores. It is commonly a rose-red color but can vary in shades of pink to light brown.This extraordinary specimen was found during mining for tungsten. Rhodochrosite was first discovered in 1813 in the silver mines of present day Romania. It can form as stalactites and when cut display concentric bands of rose colored layers. This material is often used as an ornamental stone as well as for carvings and jewelry.