A beautiful box made from Rhodochrosite. Originally used as a cigarette box, a silver gilt hinge & frame joins the top and bottom sections and it has a black stone lining to the interior. Stamped with the Italian silver purity mark for 800 standard and with the Italian makers mark used between 1944 -1968: 215 FL; denoting the maker, Fabbrica Argenteria Fiorentina Di Bartolini Bartolozzi & C. S.A.S. from Florence.
Rhodochrosite is a relatively rare crystalline manganese carbonate mineral. With low hardness, and heat sensitivity, rhodochrosite is a challenging material to cut and carve into decorative objects, such as boxes. Rose red to pink Rhodochrosite, as with this box, can show white or grey jagged veins.
Dimensions: 15.75 cm/6¼ inches (length) x 10.5 cm/4¼ inches (depth) x 3.25 cm/1¼ inches (height).
