In the short but incredible history of rhodo specimens coming out of this mine, several habits of world-class rhodochrosite emerged, with this being one of the more unusual. A matrix of massive manganite is the host for this rhodo of unique crystal form: a series of gemmy, intricately-stepped crystal growth, of a form I couldn't even begin to classify except to say that it must be based on a modified scalenohedron. The color ranges from rich red-pink to a more light pink at the edges, sometimes on the same sphere. As is typical with N'Chwaning rhodo, this specimen exhibits extremely high luster. This is, without a doubt, a major N'Chwaning rhodochrosite. The display face is pristine, and the piece is MUCH more impressive in person. Also, when backlit, it quite literally glows around the periphery with warm color (lower left) 11.5 x 7.4 x 3.2 cm