Rhodonite Sphere

Large Included Rhodonite Sphere

Large and highly polished rhodonite sphere from our collection of rocks and minerals.  This impressive piece is heavily included with manganese oxide which is not uncommon.  The colour of rhodonite can vary from the lightest pink to the deepest shades of red.  Inclusions of manganese oxide can appear in the form of dendrites, fracture fillings or matrix and the amount that's present can vary from a single spot to the point where it covers the stone almost completely.  The blackness along with the patterns that it forms ensures that no two pieces of rhodonite are ever the same. 

When used as a gemstone rhodonite tends to be cut as a cabochon and can be highly polished.  Fine grade transparent crystals are extremely rare and some of the finest stones which tend to be faceted, come from Broken Hill, Yancowinna County in New South Wales. This location is one of the richest sources of gem grade rhodonite in the world.

Weight (grams) : 580
Size (cms) : 7 in diameter