Rhodonite & Franklinite (circa 1800s) ex. Roebling, Smithsonian

Item Description

This is a true old classic of both American mineralogy and of classic old specimens in general, with provenance to one of the greatest of 1800s-era collections. The piece was originally in the Washington Roebling Collection, at the time (and ever since) known as one of the world's greatest mineral collectors. The specimen features a dramatic 1.6 cm rhodonite crystal dramatically set atop the classic mine ore matrix from the famous Franklin Mining District. It has textbook crystal form and sharp beveled edges. The crystal rests on a nearly solid matrix of rhodonite crystal sections and massive rhodonite. Richly scattered clusters of franklinite crystals with a bit of fluorescent calcite are classic accessories. Rhodonites with this crystal quality and isolation are VERY RARE. Roebling's handwritten R3098 number on the back indicates he probably acquired this piece in the 1880s or 1890s and is immediately recognizable in style and handwriting. His collection was donated to the Smithsonian Museum following his death in 1926. In 1954, it was exchanged out to J.J. Trelawney who kept it until 1978 when Dr. Francesco Bedogne obtained this stellar specimen from Paul Desautels, long-time Curator of Gems and Minerals at the Smithsonian. Read Dr. Bedogne's biography in the Mineralogical Record Biographical Archive: http://www.minrec.org/labels.asp?colid=118. Such a superb and rare old-time specimen with outstanding provenance! After Bedogne, this went into the Alex Venzke collection perhaps 5 years ago and is now being sold as he moves into a thumbnail focus for his collection. Valued $1000-1500. Donated by Alex Venzke.

This specimen is part of the 2022 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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