Bannisterite & Rhodonite (Ref: 7232)

A striking and important example of this RARE species, with crystals which are among the finest available (especially with some aesthetics!). Bannisterite is a chemically complex phyllosilicate and here we have lustrous black, loosely intergrown, bladed crystals up to 2.2 cm on edge, beautiful and contrastful associated with crystals and sections of wonderful burnt-orange Rhodonite of a similar style from the Zinc Corporation mine in Broken Hill, Australia. These have only very rarely been produced from these famous mines, which have been in continuous operation since the 1880s. I am not aware of any significant recent finds, and I am told these date from the 1950s or earlier. It is definitely one of the finest combination pieces of both species from this locale, showing excellent aesthetics and contrast, as they are practically no longer offered in this quality.