Rhodochrosite

This specimen is Rhodochrosite from the Uchucchacua Mine, Uchucchacua Area, Lima, Peru, measuring 62 x 47 x 50 mm and weighing 189 g. It is drawn from the David Vince Collection. The Uchucchacua Mine is one of the most significant Rhodochrosite localities in the world, consistently producing well-formed, richly coloured crystals that have made Peruvian material a benchmark for the species among serious collectors, alongside the more widely known stalactitic Rhodochrosite from Argentina. The mine itself is primarily a silver-lead-zinc operation, with Rhodochrosite occurring as a notable secondary product of its complex polymetallic mineralisation. At 62 x 47 x 50 mm and 189 g, the specimen has good cabinet presence. Rhodochrosite is relatively soft and can fade or alter with prolonged exposure to strong light, so a stable display position away from direct sunlight is recommended. The specimen's documented provenance is the David Vince Collection.