Rhodochrosite from the Uchucchacua Mine, Peru – Flat Rhombohedral Crystals on Matrix

This Rhodochrosite specimen from the Uchucchacua Mine in Peru shows numerous pink to salmon-pink Rhodochrosite crystals on a dark matrix. Particularly interesting is the crystal habit: instead of an elongated scalenohedral form, the specimen predominantly displays flat rhombohedral crystals, which are locally intergrown into larger crystal groups.

Measuring 5.5 × 4.5 × 2.5 cm, this is a small cabinet specimen. The Rhodochrosite crystals are concentrated mainly on one side of the piece, where they form a densely crystallized zone with larger individual crystals among numerous smaller rhombohedra. The specimen is mounted on a very small base on the back.

Flat rhombohedral Rhodochrosite crystals

The larger Rhodochrosite crystals show a distinctive flat rhombohedral to locally thick-tabular rhombohedral habit. Broad crystal faces and clearly recognizable edges distinguish these crystals from the more strongly pointed scalenohedral forms also known in Rhodochrosite.

The crystals are predominantly translucent. Particularly along thinner crystal areas and edges, light clearly penetrates into the interior. The color ranges from soft pink to stronger salmon pink, with some crystal areas appearing slightly darker.

Numerous smaller Rhodochrosite crystals fill the spaces between the larger rhombohedra and together form a three-dimensional crystallized zone on the dark matrix.

Rhodochrosite from the Uchucchacua Mine

The Uchucchacua Mine in Peru is one of the internationally known classic localities for Rhodochrosite. Crystallized specimens from this locality are particularly appreciated when the pink Rhodochrosite contrasts clearly with the darker matrix.

In addition to its classic locality, this specimen is particularly notable for its unusually flat rhombohedral crystal habit. Several larger crystals clearly display their geometric form and are accompanied by numerous smaller Rhodochrosite crystals.

The contrast between the pink Rhodochrosite and the dark gray to black matrix further emphasizes the crystallization. The mounting on a very small base on the back allows the crystallized front side to be displayed well.