Rhodochrosite with fluorite and pyrite — Wutong, China, 125 g

Description

This hand-sized specimen is dominated by a pale pink–salmon rhodochrosite aggregate set on a dark grey–black matrix. One face carries a crowded drusy covering of translucent clear to white crystals in mixed sizes, producing an overall rough, irregular surface. A few tiny brassy metallic, cubic-looking sparkles are visible near the lower edge. Dimensions are H 6 × W 5 × D 3.5 cm and the specimen weighs 125 g. The drusy zone is the most visually prominent feature and the matrix provides a strong contrast to the pale central aggregate; surfaces are unfinished and retain their irregular texture. Fluorite is present as the clear-to-white drusy crystals and is a calcium fluoride mineral that commonly forms crystals. Pyrite appears as small brassy cubic-looking crystals; these metallic cubes are visible but limited to the lower margin rather than distributed across the drusy face.