Rhodonite

Item Description

This is a competitive miniature of rich red-pink crystals from the most famous old find of the species in Peru, and one of the world's most important finds, period. The Chiurucu prospect was developed to determine whether sufficient reserves of ore existed for mine
development, but the results were discouraging, and the project was abandoned in 1990. However, rhodonites were an unexpected discovery at the very end before closure in 1990, and only a few hundred specimens were recovered before the prospect was closed. Most of the specimens are flat plates with a uniform appearance, with little damage to the bladed crystals but also little dimensionality to them. This fine miniature is robust, 3-dimensional, and really impactful, more space filling and dramatic in the size than most such specimens. The old pocket produced the best, although this find was followed by less noteworthy examples with more gracile crystals or lesser color, and in much more quantity, in 1998 and again in the early 2000s. The 1990 find (released in Tucson 1991) is still the best with the most intense color. This is from an old German collection, and was we believe quite fairly valued at $3200, on the previous dealer label (Wendel Minerals). It comes with a custom engraved lucite base for display. This specimen is donated by Karin and Wolli Wendel of Wendel Minerals, and is part of the 2023 Dallas Mineral Collecting Symposium benefit auction, with proceeds benefiting Mineralogical Record, Rocks & Minerals, Tucson Gem and Mineral Society, and mindat.org. Thanks to all of our participants!

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