Rhodonite with Spessartine and Galena (classic material)

Item Description

Broken Hill is one of the world's great mineral localities. This prolific mining area in New South Wales, Australia was for many years a source of some of the finest and most distinct minerals from anywhere. Not only was Broken Hill responsible for early prosperity in the Australia mining industry, but a good number of the minerals found at this locality are iconic classics, distinctive in their appearance, quality and associations. Some of most beloved and fine quality specimens from Broken Hill are the superb Rhodonites, the best of which are the finest examples of the species ever found. Most Rhodonite crystals from around the world are typically opaque and pink, but the Broken Hill specimens are GEMMY and fiery in color. Euhedral, gemmy crystals are not easy to find these days on the market, and they are certainly sought after by collectors. This specimen features good quality, lustrous, prismatic crystal of Rhodonite with classic fiery gemmy red color when backlit sitting atop typical metallic grey-black Galena. A few dodecahedral crystals of dark red Spessartine Garnet can be seen on the piece as well for a nice touch! The largest Rhodonite crystal measures 1.2 cm. Keep in mind that the majority of these specimens were mined before 1950, and some date back as far as 1900, and undamaged matrix pieces like this are not easy to find. Valued $1,250.