Rhodonite

Item Description

This mine is known for producing perhaps the finest quality Rhodonite crystals in the world. Places like Franklin New Jersey and Broken Hill Australia, are the most classic locality for the species, and places like the San Martin Mine in Peru have produced a wealth of beautiful specimens, but how often does one fine, sharp, intense pink-red colored, gemmy Rhodonite crystals measuring up several centimeters? Not only does this mine produce good sized Rhodonites, but I've seen completely transparent crystals from Conselheiro Lafaiete, which is not common. This mine started in the 1890's, though specimens are few and far between these days. Recently some very impressive Rhodonites have been coming out, this piece is a good example of said material. This miniature specimen features sharp, well-formed triclinic crystals of Rhodonite measuring up to 1.5 cm on tirodite matrix. From an old east coast collection, accompanied by a label from recently deceased mineral dealer, Larry Conklin of New York City.