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Lot 8210

Rhodochrosite Slab

4 December 2005, 11:00 PST
Los Angeles

Sold for US$881.25 inc. premium

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Rhodochrosite Slab

La Capillita Mine
Catamarca, Argentina

A fine, extremely thick and sold slice of rhodochrosite cut from a cave stalactite from this classic locality. The specimen displays interesting concentric growth banding with a rich red-pink and white coloration and excellent polish on both sides. The outside bears the original rough textured surface of the stalactite. Such material was originally produced as a by-product from operating silver mines in this part of Argentina. In the mines, open cavities filled with rhodochrosite cave formations were mined along with the associated silver ore. The supply of these older formations, particularly the better examples, has been slowly depleted as miners and collectors sell off the old material. This attractive piece displays the typical mineral association with galena visible to the interior. Measuring 11 x 6 x 1in.

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