Rhodochrosite Sphere. Capillitas mining district, Andalgalá Department. Catamarca Province. Argentina. ...

Description

Rhodochrosite Sphere
Capillitas mining district, Andalgalá Department
Catamarca Province
Argentina

This sculptural sphere represents a substantial amount of collector-grade Rhodochrosite. This top example hails from the famed Capillitas district in Argentina, renowned for its stalactitic Rhodochrosite. The mesmerizing sphere has been expertly cut and polished all the way around and features concentric bands of deep red and pink hues with accents of dark Manganese. The lapidary artist purposefully left a few large caverns filled with lighter matte salmon-pink Rhodochrosite to highlight the varying nature of this gorgeous material. The contrast between the matte concave sections and the "gemmy" translucent material is awe-inspiring. The overall complexity of the stalactitic growth presented here is exceptional, and examples of this size and caliber are hardly seen for acquisition. This hefty sphere, weighing nearly 4 pounds (1.8 kilograms), is in excellent condition and makes for one exemplary decorative softball-sized orb.
Measurements: 3.75 inches (9.52 cm) in diameter

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