N’Chwaning Mine, Kalahari Manganese Field, N. Cape Prov., S. Africa
3 cm tall x 5 cm wide
Rhodochrosite has always been the single most desirable mineral species for collectors. The two most important localities are the N’Chwaning Mine in South Africa and the Sweet Home Mine in Colorado. Both are very different in appearance, yet both are of equal quality and beauty. The N’Chwaning Mine began producing rhodochrosite specimens around 1977. Crystal perfection, transparency, and fiery red color as seen in this example, are exceedingly rare. Due to the exceptional quality of the rhodochrosite and the superbly crystallized matrix of manganite, we attribute this specimen to the earliest finds from the N’Chwaning #1 Mine.