The Capillitas Mine exploited polymetallic sulfide deposits at an elevation of 3000 meters for hundreds of years, but the mine is much more famous for its unique deposit of rhodochrosite. The rhodochrosite forms banded masses and stalactites of nearly white to the darkest pink rhodochrosite. Most are coated in a dull tan to brown layer that is often etched away to show the pink crystallized layers and beneath. But most specimens from the mine have been cut and polished, with concentric rings (bulls-eyes) being the most sought after.

This one is a perfect single curved stalactite with a small “side-car” stalactite, both capped with a layer of pyrite.