Rhodochrosite gemstone - circa 1980

Item Description

This riveting, cherry-red stone is a rare example of a cut red rhodochrosite from the heyday of production in the Kalahari. It is now a historic rarity. Only a small number of crystals yielded fine and clean enough rough material to yield stones approaching 10 carats, and they were only found in a period circa 1980-1982. Moreover, most of the larger rhodochrosite crystals from these finds had a paler color, more strawberry than cherry; or a deeper color that was too dark and wine-red. This open, bright, "happy" red color was found much more scarcely. The stone is 9.78 cts, and certified with a GIA report. It is not treated or altered in any way. It looks surprisingly like a red garnet at first sight. It is large and impactful in the hand. We obtained this from a dealer selling out an old stash of gems from this era, at one of the AGTA wholesale gem trade events. It should be valued at least $500 per carat. Honestly, much more common material from the Sweet Home Mine, in Colorado, sells for more - even though it exists in much larger quantity. Note that the piece is much more beautiful in the hand - the camera sees more flaws and color zoning than our eyes.