Rhodonite & Franklinite (superb old classic) Roebling, Smithsonian & Bedogne Coll.

Item Description

A SUPERB 1.6 cm sharp freeform rhodonite crystal is dramatically set atop the very rich and scuptural combination matrix from the famous Franklin Mining District. The juicy, tabular, rich rose-red lustrous and translucent beauty has textbook crystal form and sharp beveled edges. The crystal rests on a nearly solid matrix of euhedral to subhhedral 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. This exceptional piece has an outstanding provenance. The piece was originally in the Washington Roebling Collection, one of the world's greatest mineral collectors. Read his biography in the Mineralogical Record Biographical Archive: http://www.minrec.org/labels.asp?colid=614. His R3098 number on the back indicates he probably acquired this piece in the 1880s or 1890s. His collection was donated to the Smithsonian Musuem following his death in 1926. 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. Value of such a superb and rare old-time specimen with an outstanding provenance? We feel $1500-2000 is fair.