The Wutong Collection: Rhodochrosite With Fluorite & Quartz — “The Dolphin”

An impressively large, double-sided specimen from the Wutong Mine, Liubao, Cangwu County, Guangxi, China — a world-renowned source of elegant rhodochrosite, fluorite, and quartz associations.

This beautiful piece naturally formed in a shape closely resembling a dolphin, and features a lush, continuous blanket of pink rhodochrosite blades coating the entire piece. Interspersed throughout are mini purple fluorite cubes and subtle clear quartz that creates extra brilliance and texture. The bottom reveals patches of sparkling gray sulfide matrix (likely sphalerite and galena) and traces of pyrite, highlighting the specimen’s natural mineral diversity.

With its bold color contrast, balanced form, and uniform crystal coverage, this piece captures the quintessential beauty of Wutong mineralogy — a locality admired by collectors for its harmonious interplay of pink, purple, and metallic tones.

Mounted on a custom-fit, museum-grade acrylic base, this specimen presents as a refined display centerpiece.

Details:

• Locality: Wutong Mine, Liubao, Cangwu Co., Wuzhou Prefecture, Guangxi, China
• Weight (crystal only): 1.14 lbs
• Weight (with base): 3.05 lbs
• Crystal Dimensions: 7.5 × 5.0 × 2.7 in
• Base Dimensions: 7.8 × 3.3 × 2.7 in
• Includes: Custom-fitted clear acrylic base

Geological Note: The Wutong Mine formed when mineral-rich fluids moved through ancient limestone rock deep below the surface. As these fluids cooled, they left behind layers of vibrant minerals. Quartz formed first, lining the open pockets with clear crystal growth. Later, rhodochrosite crystallized over the quartz in a sparkling pink druse. Finally, as the chemistry of the fluids changed, purple fluorite began to form on top of the rhodochrosite, creating sharp cubic crystals that stand out beautifully against the soft pink background.

These stages of growth capture a dynamic story of shifting temperature and chemistry underground, one that produced Wutong’s signature palette of pink, purple, and clear crystalline textures found nowhere else in the world.