Here is a superb 171 gram slice of rhodochrosite from Argentina that has sharp bull's eye bands of red, pink and white, as well as zinc-rich tan and also silvery gray. The rhodochrosite was deposited in hydrothermal veins in thin layers and multiple rings, and the thin stripes of color are characteristic of rhodochrosite that grew as annual growth rings in the form of stalactites and flow stone.  The site was mined by the Incas, who believed that rhodochrosite was the blood of their ancestors, thus the color name "Inca rose".  This highly aesthetic display piece has been polished on both sides to show the interior color banding, and is very impressive when backlit. It is a fine classic stalactitic slice rhodochrosite specimen from this pre-Conquistador mine.