The Wutong Collection: Rhodochrosite With Fluorite & Quartz

A stunning association specimen from the Wutong Mine, near Liubao, Cangwu County, Guangxi, China — renowned for producing exquisite combinations of rhodochrosite, fluorite, quartz, and sulfides.

This specimen features a dense coverage of sparkling pink bladed rhodochrosite microcrystals across the display face, forming a shimmering blanket with excellent luster and color. Beneath the rhodochrosite layer, you can see well-developed blue-toned transparent quartz crystals. Scattered throughout the matrix are sharp purple cubic fluorite crystals, accompanied by white barite, yellow iron oxide accents and fine-grained pyrite.

The color contrast and textural balance make this piece a quintessential example of Wutong’s famous mineral paragenesis, where manganese-rich solutions deposited rhodochrosite over a foundation of quartz and fluorite.

Mounted on a custom-fitted clear acrylic base, the specimen displays elegantly from every angle and feels complete and substantial.

Details:

• Locality: Wutong Mine, Liubao, Cangwu Co., Wuzhou Prefecture, Guangxi, China
• Weight (crystal only): 1.13 lbs
• Weight (with base): 2.6 lbs
• Crystal Dimensions: 5.2 × 3.8 × 3.5 in
• Base Dimensions: 4.8 × 3.6 × 1.3 in
• Includes: Custom-fit, museum-grade acrylic base

Geological Note:

The Wutong Mine’s distinctive combinations of pink rhodochrosite, purple fluorite, and clear quartz form within hydrothermal veins cutting through carbonate rock. These mineralizing fluids were rich in manganese, lead, and zinc — creating a paragenetic sequence that produced some of the world’s most colorful and texturally diverse specimens.