This is a major, large, rhodochrosite specimen for the locality. Few such examples ever turn up, and this is the best of its particular and very unique style, that I have seen for sale. I am told they were found in the 1970s or prior. Note the unusual elongation of the body of the crystal, combined with a then-sudden termination atop. The color is cherry red, with a microthin coating of quartz on some oriented faces that gives a "frosted" look to the elongated side faces. The terminations stick out freely, all the more bright and sharp for the contrast. The horizon of the piece is gorgeous, indicating a very careful trim job. As the matrix is a soft gangue host rock, it has been stabilized on the reverse with a small amount of glue to ensure it stays together. A MAJOR Mexican piece....But as a very showy and different rhodochrosite by any standard, this is more than just a locality specimen. I found this specimen in an old collection in 2003, and sold it to the Stoudts at the time. Joe Budd photos.