This style of rhodochrosite came out in the early 1980s and is often referred to as "wheatsheaves." The colour can truly be called "cherry red." Here is a relatively large well formed specimen of gemmy, transparent to translucent crystals on manganese rock matrix. The dark nearly black matrix gives a lot of contrast to the piece. The luster of rhodochrosite is so brilliant in person, it is hard to convey in photos....but it is like glass, in real life. Great condition and impact!