Rhodochrosite Polished Egg, Capillitas Mine, Catamarca Province, Argentina, 8.6g

Premium Rhodochrosite miniature polished egg with gorgeous juicy strawberry-pink color saturation and cream banding. This beautiful Rhodochrosite is an old collection piece, mined in the mid-90s at the Capillitas mine in Argentina.

The Capillitas Mine in Catamarca Province is one of the most famous sources of Rhodochrosite, known for producing well-formed rhodochrosite specimens with distinctive banded patterns and deep taffy pink to strawberry red colors.

During the 1990s, the Capillitas Mine was a significant source of rhodochrosite, contributing to the mineral's popularity and availability in the market. The material from this mine was widely sought after by collectors and jewelers for its quality and aesthetic appeal. The unique and attractive banded formations of rhodochrosite from Capillitas continue to be highly prized.

• Mineral: Rhodochrosite
  
• Locality: Capillitas Mine, Catamarca Province, Argentina
• Size Category: Thumbnail
• Size: 19 x 13 mm
• Weight: 8.6g
  
• Natural, no treatment.
  
• Includes 1.25" Collectors Box with Mineral ID card.
  
  

About Rhodochrosite

Rhodochrosite commonly forms in low-temperature hydrothermal veins. These veins are typically associated with silver, lead, and copper deposits, where manganese-rich solutions precipitate the mineral as they cool and interact with surrounding rock. It can also form as a secondary mineral in the oxidation zones of manganese ore deposits, where it is a product of the chemical weathering of primary manganese minerals.

Rhodochrosite is a beautiful and relatively rare mineral, it's mined in several countries, with some locations being particularly famous for their high-quality specimens. Its rarity and striking appearance make it a sought-after mineral in the mineral collecting community. Collectors and jewelers continue to highly value this mineral but its availability is not as abundant as it once was, contributing to its growing scarcity in the market. Many of the most accessible and high-quality deposits of rhodochrosite have been significantly depleted and remaining deposits are often of lower quality or more difficult to access.

Beyond its appeal to collectors and jewelers, rhodochrosite is also valued for its metaphysical properties. It's often associated with emotional healing and love in various crystal healing traditions.