Morro da Mina Mine, Conselheiro Lafaiete, Minas Gerais, Brazil
8 cm tall x 8 cm wide
Twelve years ago, some of the finest rhodonites in the world were found in Brazil. They possessed a notable ruby red color in large transparent crystals. Prior to this find, Australia had always been the premier locality for the species. The Brazilian specimens have redefined rhodonite in both size and quality. This specimen is from a more recent pocket from that same mine discovered 12 years ago.
The stark contrast between the red crystal and blackish matrix, both in color and texture, is exemplary.