Madagascan Pink Rhodonite Sphere - 50mm, 231g

Locality - Madagascar
Size – 50mm
Weight – 231g

This rare rhodonite sphere features vibrant, reddish-pink colouration with a streak of brownish-white and metallic black dendritic patterns throughout. Rhodonite has a sparkling surface that glistens when turned in strong lighting. This sphere has been polished and shaped to perfection and makes for an attractive display piece. A wooden stand as pictured will be provided with this sphere.

Rhodonite is a pink to red manganese silicate often found with metallic black manganese oxide veins within it. Its name derives from the Greek 'rhodon', meaning 'rose', in reference to its colouration. It is usually found in massive form in metamorphic rocks and contains significant amounts of iron, magnesium and calcium. Well-formed, transparent crystals of rhodonite are especially rare, most not even exceeding 1g in weight, and are highly sought after by mineral collectors. The opaque variety is popular for use in beads, cabochons and decorative carvings. Sources of gem-quality rhodonite are found in Russia, Australia, Japan, Madagascar, Sweden, Brazil, Peru, New Jersey and in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, where it has been named their official state gemstone.