TERRIUM — A mineralogy cabinet


Rodocrosita

Rodocrosita is a mineral with formula MnCO₃, in the Carbonatos group. This specimen comes from Mina Uchucchacua, Distrito de Oyón, Lima, Perú and joined the Terrium collection in 2025.

Rodocrosita from Mina Uchucchacua, Distrito de Oyón, Lima, Perú — Terrium

Description

A pink main crystal with hexagonal outline and gemmy quality, vitreous lustre and visible concentric growth, in a dark botryoidal cavity lined with manganese oxides. Notable colour contrast and pronounced aesthetics. Shows well to the naked eye and under the loupe.

About Rodocrosita

A member of the carbonate group, rhodochrosite is valued for its intensely pink crystals. Its present status as one of the most sought-after collector minerals stems from the appearance of truly exceptional specimens only c. 50–60 years ago.

About the locality

Specimen from Uchucchacua, a Peruvian mine famous for assemblages rich in silver, oxides and carbonates. Botryoidal cavities are common, but not always accompanied by rhodochrosite crystals this well defined.

Technical data

Catalogue No.
0067
Composition
MnCO₃
Name
Rodocrosita
Group
Carbonatos
Category
Cavella
Associations
Óxidos de manganeso
Mine
Mina Uchucchacua
District / Municipality
Distrito de Oyón
Province
Lima
Country
Perú
Size (cm)
10 x 8 x 8
Weight
400 g
Acquired
2025
Ex-collection
Luca & Fabrizio Ferrero
Etymology
From the Greek "rhodon" (ῥόδον), "rose", and "chroma" (χρῶμα), "colour", referring to its characteristic pink hue.
Quality
Top
Value trend
Al alza

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