Rhodizite (large crystal on matrix)

Item Description

Rhodizite is one of the more impressive rare minerals that has been found in Madagascar. It has been found in only three localities outside Madagascar: Ural Mountains of Russia at Schaitansk, in England, and in Wisconsin. Before the discovery of Rhodizite in Madagascar, the largest known crystals were found in Russia and they only measured up to 1 cm. The other two localities produced very little Rhodizite, and the crystals were very small. Rhodizite is a rare gem mineral and is highly sought after by gem and mineral collectors alike. It forms a series with the newly approved species Londonite with Rhodizite being the potassium end member. This is a very fine Rhodizite specimen featuring a very sharp, well formed, strong yellow color, dodecahedral crystal measuring 2.6 cm across associated with light pink Tourmaline and incredibly saturated blue crystals on an unknown mineral on matrix. This material is Rhodizite, though unusually Rb-rich, and is not the same as Londonite: the relatively Cs-dominant analogue of Rhodizite named after Dr. David London. This specimen was exchanged from Madagascar specialist Dr. Federico Pezzotta. From anybody else, I would have gone ahead and labeled it as Londonite as they tend to be more lustrous and yellow than the pure Rhodizites. A great rarity with a very large crystal for the species. Valued at $1800-$2000.