Rhodonite
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The ArkenstoneFeatured
Every now and then, there is a find of a species that redefines what can be expected of that species of mineral from mother nature. This is from a legendary discovery of rhodonite crystals thought to have been found in one pocket or a series within a small pocket zone, circa 1900, at the famous old workings in Broken Hill, Australia. Such crystals not only were best of species, but remain among the best 100 years after (in size class, barring only one recent find in Brazil). This gem transparent crystal is 1.5cm thick and yet you can read through it, with such incredible cherry red color. It is a relic of the old find that stood for a century as the best of species and at one time, before modern Brazilian finds, would have been priced even higher simply because this piece has facet rough value. The Brazilian finds were plentiful, and produced much facet rough, and diminished the value of this specimen and the few like it from that perspective (while also reducing the incentive to see this crystal cut into pricey gems and disappear from the mineral world entirely as gemstones...a tragedy, but it happened). And, although modern era Brazilian finds (2012-20) produced other crystals including many fine thumbnails, they look DIFFERENT. This crystal form, subtle color and termination style stands out, as the legendary old habit. We only see these in museums today; and this piece is simply one of the finest Aussie rhodonites that I have ever seen for sale. It was in the collection of noted Aussie dealer and collector Rob Sielecki for decades, and later in the miniatures collections of both Herb Obodda (until 2008) and then Brent Lockhart as exhibited in both Tucson and Denver shows. An ultimate-level competition miniature, as witnessed by that provenance. Comes with custom lucite base for display.
Product details
SpeciesRhodonite
SizeMiniature
Dimensions3.3 x 1.4 x 1.4 cm
Listed on12/05/2025
LocalityAustralia, New South Wales, Broken Hill
SKUGEM25-016
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