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Rhodochrosite

Rhodochrosite

MNHN N°193.62

visu_515 infos
FROM : Mine of Ortiz, Catamarca, Argentina
SIZE : 40 x 24.5 x 1 cm

general description

This specimen is a particular rhodocrosite as it is in fact a transverse section of a stalactite. Stalactites are composed by aragonite (Ca CO3). In this case, the manganese contained in liquids allowed the formation of this rhodochrosite.

We can see clearly the ducts where the liquids flowed. Around this ducts, the crystallisation of the pink to red-pink rhodochrosite is globular. The colour depends on the concentration of manganese.

Acquired thanks to support from Total, it is currently exposed in the Treasure Room, within the Gallery of Mineralogy of the Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle.

Photography: A. Dahmane / Photo Saint-Hilaire, © MNHN.
The Species page
Identity card
SPECIE : Rhodochrosite

HISTORY : Name inspired by the Greek word "ρ-οδοσ" [rhodos] meaning "rose" and by "χρoσισ" [chrosis] meaning "colouring"

Species descibed in 1813 by Johann Friedrich Ludwig Hausmann (1782-1859), german mineralogist

Type-locality: Kavnic (Kapnikbanya), Maramures, Roumania

CHEMICAL FORMULA : Mn2+ CO3
CRYSTAL SYSTEM : Rhomboedric
COLOR : Pink, red
DIAPHANIETY : Transparent to translucent
LUSTER : Vitreous, pearly
STREAK : White
MORPHOLOGY : Prismatic crystals forming scalénohedras, stalactiform aggregates
HARDNESS : 3,5-4,0
DENSITY : 3,7

CHEMICAL CLASS : V - Carbonates, nitrates
GROUP : Calcite
STRUNZ CLASS BEFORE 2001 : 5/B.02-50
STRUNZ CLASS AFTER 2001 : 5.AB.05
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