Rhodochrosite, Fluorite & Pyrite — Wutong, Guangxi, 76 g

Description

This small hand specimen features pale pink rhodochrosite patches and discrete purple fluorite areas set into a white to translucent crystalline matrix. Scattered small reflective pyrite crystals catch the light across a generally sparkly, granular surface; there is a dark black patch along one side. The piece measures 4.5 × 3.5 × 3 cm and weighs 76 g, a compact example showing colour contrast between the pink and purple patches and the bright reflective points of pyrite. The surface texture is granular with a crystalline appearance rather than a finish. Fluorite is calcium fluoride (CaF2) and commonly forms cubic crystals; it is often found associated with a variety of other minerals.