Rhodizite on Elbaite Tourmaline, Smoky Quartz, and Microcline - image 1

Rhodizite on Elbaite Tourmaline, Smoky Quartz, and Microcline - image 3

Rhodizite on Elbaite Tourmaline, Smoky Quartz, and Microcline

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An excellent rhodizite crystal on matrix from Madagascar from the one major discovery of such large, refined crystals on this style of matrix. This crystal has such unusual form and color that it looks like a mint green garnet! Rhodizite this potassium-dominant variety of the rhodizite-londonite series and this one is a large and impressive 2.8 cm! Rhodizite was originally described from pegmatites in Russia, however, the best of species crystals are from the pegmatites in Madagascar. This excellent, translucent to somewhat gemmy, mint green crystal sits perfectly on a feldspar-elbaite-smoky quartz matrix. The crystal faces are sharp and lustrous and it is centered perfectly atop the piece. It is a dramatic and colorful display piece for a rare mineral! The rhodizite has the weak, yellow-green fluorescence that is classic for the species. Geometric, balanced, just a superb specimen of this rare species. No more of this quality has been seen since the early 2000s.