Rhodonite with Galena and Spessartine Garnet

Another red mineral from North Mine at Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia, which rather surprisingly forms fine crystals in a Galena matrix, is Rhodonite.  Specimens with this wonderful combination are always pleasing but, as we always endeavour, this small miniature is a total showstopper and never has there been a better example of ‘small but sweet’.  A single, thick-set tabular Rhodonite crystal measuring 2.4 x 2.3 x 1.3 cm stands at 45 degrees in a small matrix of silver Galena with a bright metallic lustre.  The Rhodonite is translucent cherry-red and back-lit, glows warm-rich cherry, illuminated against and contrasting with the opaque metallic matrix.  If this were not enough, nature has chosen to liberally sprinkle micro-crystals of burnt cinnamon-toffee Spessartine Garnets over the matrix and one face of the Rhodonite.  It is simply a delight and will have you reaching for the napkins to mop away those drools!