The General Legislation and Mining committees of Argentina’s Chamber of Deputies issued a majority opinion supporting a bill to declare rhodochrosite the national stone. They also backed a proposal to name Andalgalá Department the national capital of rhodochrosite. The mineral is also known as the Inca Rose.
Fernanda Avila, a deputy from Elijo Catamarca and chair of the Mining Committee, said the two proposals were combined because of rhodochrosite’s geological, tourism and cultural importance to Catamarca Province. She said the initiative could help track the mineral’s origin, increase its commercial value and promote geological tourism in Catamarca and Argentina.
Claudia María Palladino, a deputy from UxP, described the bill as significant recognition for artisans, residents of Andalgalá and people across Catamarca. She noted that rhodochrosite is found in other parts of the world, but Andalgalá has a mine with substantial production.
