Rhodochrosite–fluorite–pyrite hand specimen, Wutong (226 g)

Description

This compact hand specimen is composed of rhodochrosite, fluorite and pyrite with a granular to sugary surface and a mottled palette of pale pink, purple, grey‑green and cream. The piece is irregular in outline with several shallow natural recesses and uneven surfaces; areas range from opaque to slightly translucent where the material thins. Weighing 226 g and measuring 7 × 5 × 3 cm, the specimen shows mixed colours across its surface rather than single, discrete crystals. Visible pyrite contributes small metallic patches against the softer rhodochrosite and fluorite tones. The overall texture is rough and natural, without obvious polishing. Fluorite is a calcium fluoride (CaF2) that commonly forms cubic crystals and can show fluorescence under ultraviolet light, though UV behaviour varies between individual specimens. Rhodochrosite is typically a manganese carbonate and is known for its pink colouring; both appear here as part of the rock's mottled appearance.