The Wutong Collection: Rhodochrosite With Fluorite & Quartz

A delicate yet dimensional specimen from the Wutong Mine, Liubao, Cangwu County, Guangxi, China — a locality admired for its soft pastels and striking crystal combinations.

 This piece displays a luminous druse of pink rhodochrosite crystals blanketing a foundation of clear to blue-ish quartz. The surface shimmers, transitioning from deeper rose tones near the center to pale blush at the edges. Turning the piece reveals a cluster of purple fluorite cubes on the reverse — a vivid contrast that completes the classic Wutong trio of pink, purple, and clear crystalline hues.

Mounted on a clear acrylic base, the specimen rests securely and balances beautifully. However, due to a minor production error, the base was cut slightly oversized and does not fit as snugly as the others in the series. It still displays elegantly and will be included with purchase.

Details:

• Locality: Wutong Mine, Liubao, Cangwu Co., Wuzhou Prefecture, Guangxi, China
• Weight (crystal only): 1.10 lbs
• Weight (with base): 1.15 lbs
• Crystal Dimensions: 5.3 × 2.6 × 3.3 in
• Base Dimensions: 5.5 × 3.5 × 1.6 in
• Includes: Clear acrylic base (note: slightly oversized, balances securely)

Geological Note: Within the Wutong deposit, minerals formed as hot, mineral-rich fluids moved through ancient limestone layers. Quartz crystallized first, forming a sturdy, transparent base. Later, rhodochrosite coated the quartz in a blanket of sparkling pink crystals. Finally, a shift in chemistry allowed fluorite to form — its purple cubes often appearing on outer surfaces or pocket walls, as seen on the reverse of this specimen.

This natural layering records the evolution of color and chemistry over time, creating one of the most elegant mineral associations found in southern China.