Stalactite Rhodochrosite (Capillitas mining district, Andalgalá Department, Catamarca Province, Argentina) - 0224_SR_A9
11 x 13mm
Rhodochrosite is a manganese carbonate and derives its pink color from manganese. It is usually a vivid bright pink color, but can also be different shades of pink; rose, red, faded pink or slightly orange.
That is also where it derives its name from - the Greek words rhodon meaning 'rose', and chroma meaning 'color'.
Dating back to the 13th century, this stone is nearly legendary. Argentina has been a key source for rhodochrosite since the 13th century, when Incas worked the silver mines and created beautiful pieces with the stone. The San Luis province in central Argentina has the oldest mines, and the rhodochrosite from there has been named Inca Rose. In the 1930's, fine grain banded rhodochrosite became a popular stone that was used to carve figurines.
Whilst Argentina is home to the largest amount of stalactitic rhodochrosite, not all pieces are gemmy, making the gemmy ones even more prized. Nevertheless, the ability to get any from this area is difficult, because most are sent to be made into jewellery for collectors only. However, Collectors also value most the tubular stalactic forms of rhodochrosite that are cut into cross-sections, which clearly display the beautiful concentric bands within the stone. Just like these pieces :)
11 x 13mm
Rhodochrosite is a manganese carbonate and derives its pink color from manganese. It is usually a vivid bright pink color, but can also be different shades of pink; rose, red, faded pink or slightly orange.
That is also where it derives its name from - the Greek words rhodon meaning 'rose', and chroma meaning 'color'.
Dating back to the 13th century, this stone is nearly legendary. Argentina has been a key source for rhodochrosite since the 13th century, when Incas worked the silver mines and created beautiful pieces with the stone. The San Luis province in central Argentina has the oldest mines, and the rhodochrosite from there has been named Inca Rose. In the 1930's, fine grain banded rhodochrosite became a popular stone that was used to carve figurines.
Whilst Argentina is home to the largest amount of stalactitic rhodochrosite, not all pieces are gemmy, making the gemmy ones even more prized. Nevertheless, the ability to get any from this area is difficult, because most are sent to be made into jewellery for collectors only. However, Collectors also value most the tubular stalactic forms of rhodochrosite that are cut into cross-sections, which clearly display the beautiful concentric bands within the stone. Just like these pieces :)
11 x 13mm
Rhodochrosite is a manganese carbonate and derives its pink color from manganese. It is usually a vivid bright pink color, but can also be different shades of pink; rose, red, faded pink or slightly orange.
That is also where it derives its name from - the Greek words rhodon meaning 'rose', and chroma meaning 'color'.
Dating back to the 13th century, this stone is nearly legendary. Argentina has been a key source for rhodochrosite since the 13th century, when Incas worked the silver mines and created beautiful pieces with the stone. The San Luis province in central Argentina has the oldest mines, and the rhodochrosite from there has been named Inca Rose. In the 1930's, fine grain banded rhodochrosite became a popular stone that was used to carve figurines.
Whilst Argentina is home to the largest amount of stalactitic rhodochrosite, not all pieces are gemmy, making the gemmy ones even more prized. Nevertheless, the ability to get any from this area is difficult, because most are sent to be made into jewellery for collectors only. However, Collectors also value most the tubular stalactic forms of rhodochrosite that are cut into cross-sections, which clearly display the beautiful concentric bands within the stone. Just like these pieces :)
For every $15 spent, we will plant 1 tree to offset the carbon cost of mining, shipping and packaging crystals.
These are real and natural products, and so might have some flaws or imperfections. We have done our best to pick the best pieces available, but nature is often imperfectly perfect. Therefore, please only make the purchase if you are alright with this.
