Detailed information
Species
Rhodonite, Franklinite, Calcite
Dimensions
100 x 62 x 52
mm
Locality
Franklin Mining District Sussex County New Jersey, USA
Condition
No recorded repairs
Two exceptionally large, blocky, prismatic crystals of Rhodonite dominate this cabinet specimen from the Franklin Mining District in New Jersey, USA. Rhodonite crystals of mottled, dirty bubble gum pink measure to 3.5 cm tall and are associated with metallic black crystalline Franklinite in a white Calcite and Rhodonite matrix. The cleaved rhombs of white Calcite at the crest of the specimen fluoresce pale cherry red under both long and short wave ultraviolet light. Rhodonite crystals of up to 1 cm are not uncommon at Franklin, but these, at well over 3 cm, are quite exceptional, not least because they are also so well formed - rounded edges, yes, but this is natural and they have no obvious damage. The larger of the two crystals has a stepped upper third, possibly as a development of a separate crystal, or a twin, but on one edge it appears to just be an extension of the lower part of the crystal. The surfaces of the Rhodonite show natural internal fracturing typical of Franklin, but this does not affect the integrity of the crystals and if anything adds character specific to this deposit. Most of the Rhodonite from Franklin is rich in calcium and used to be given the name Fowlerite which remains a variety of Rhodonite. the The Franklin-Ogdensburg orebody is one of the world's most mineralogically diverse localities and is a firm favourite amongst collectors. This exceptional old-time specimen is accompanied by a Anton Berger (1870-1956) of Mödling, Vienna printed and typed label.
