Rhodochrosite: N’Chwaning I mine, Kalahari Field, Kuruman, South Africa

Description

Species: Rhodochrosite, Manganite

Locality: N’Chwaning I mine, Kalahari Field, Kuruman, South Africa

Dimensions: 5.8 x 4.4 x 4 cm.

SOLD

This style of rhodochrosite, referred to as the “wheat sheave” habit, came out of the N’Chwaning I mine in the early 1980’s and was an instant hit with collectors and museums around the world. The color, luster and impact of the bladed red rhodochrosite crystal bundles is fantastic, and they cover contrasting black manganite ore matrix, very typical of this find. Since the initial discovery, good specimens of this coveted rhodochrosite find have all but dissapeared from the market, and this is a superb small cabinet-size example. The color and luster of the rhodochrosite is superb, as are the aesthetics. One minor contact to a single crystal in the upper right corner of the piece does not distract from the display aesthetics of this otherwise pristine, wonderfully-aesthetic N’Chwaning rhodochrosite. Ex. Alex Neufeld collection. Mark Cross photo.