Cluster of Rhodochrosite Crystals

South Africa's N'Chwaning Mine is a well-known locality believed to have produced the finest rhodochrosite found on earth to date, such as the significantly sized specimen offered here. 

Rhodochrosite is a relatively rare manganese carbonate mineral. Displaying crystal twinning and varying levels of transparency, rhodochrosite is highly celebrated, as evidenced by its status as Argentina's "national gemstone", and as the official state mineral of the U.S. state of Colorado. Rhodochrosite is often accented by streaks of white and ranges from subtle pinks to alarming reds, as seen in the specimen offered here.