N’Chwaning Mines, Kuruman, Kalahari Manganese Field, Northern Cape, South Africa
2.5 cm tall x 3 cm wide
Of the three premier rhodochrosite localities in the world, only the N’Chwaning Mine has produced spherical crystalline formations with this quality of color and transparency. The most well-known example being The Snail, which was discovered in the 1970s. This exceptional mineral most likely came from the same pocket.
A translucent and bright red sphere of rhodochrosite against a slick and glistening black matrix of manganite makes for a striking color and textural contrast.