Rhodochrosite Slice

Rhodochrosite Slice

Capillitas Mine, Andalgalá Department, Catamarca, Argentina

Rhodochrosite stalactites are found exclusively in the Mina Capillitas (“little chapels”) mineral deposit of Argentina. Within each nondescript, tan-colored stalactite is a core with bands of blush pink, dark pink, and fine, intermittent milky bands, all caused by rhythmic precipitation.

This is a cross-section of a beautifully developed stalactite. Stalactites tend to taper as they extend from the cave or pocket ceiling and form towards the floor. This causes each successive cross-section (downwards) to become smaller and less detailed. This large example was from the top of the stalactite and typifies the classic aesthetics of its locality with its rosy pink color and attractive banding. While most examples comprise just one or a few intergrown stalactites, this piece is made up of several intergrown stalactites. Like a tree, each ring and ray is an expression of growth and time expressed in the pink rhodochrosite and feathers of manganocalcite. Between its size, shape, and color banding, this rhodochrosite slice would make for a rare and colorful conversation starter.

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