Components

*Rhodochrosite stalactite (Argentina) cut by Eidos
*Peruvian pink opal briolettes
*Rose quartz
*Tiny Akoya (saltwater) keshi pearls interspersed in the rose quartz strand
*Freshwater pearls
*3mm rubies on setting
*Sterling setting, beads, findings, leverbacks
*Necklace is signed, numbered, dated

Length: 18" - 23" (26 cm - 58 cm)
Centerpiece: 1 7/8" x 2 1/4" (4.8 cm - 5.5 cm)
Weight: 3.7 oz (104 gm)

Earring drop length: 1" (2.5 cm)
Earring weight: 2 gm ea (a nickel weighs about 5 gm)

Item #609. Rhodochrosite Mandala Necklace and Earrings (set) - Sold

Rhodochrosite Mandala Necklace and Earrings

Rhodochrosite Mandala Necklace
Rhodochrosite Mandala Necklace Detail
Rhodochrosite Mandala Necklace on model
Rhodochrosite Mandala Earrings
Rhodochrosite Mandala Necklace
Hover to zoom, Click to expand

The stalactite slice in this necklace displays the normal lovely pink with white bands one expects in rhodochrosite, also a tiny bit of yellow. The pale green is curious. The sources I checked indicated that rhodochrosite can be yellow or brown, even yellowish-gray is mentioned, so perhaps what I would call pale green the reference is calling yellowish-gray? I think soft green is a better description of the colors in this stone than the unfortunate "yellowish-gray"! I left the back of the setting open so you can see the fascinating color changes within this relatively thin section. Rhodochrosite is manganese carbonate and it can contain traces of other minerals. Although rhodochrosite occurs in many parts of the world, the stalactites come from Argentina where they formed in 13th century Inca silver mines from water dripping from manganese-rich rock. Leigh left the natural rind on the perimeter of this stone which is now covered by the bezel. However the rind indicates it formed in this nearly perfect circular shape, another fascinating characteristic of this specimen.

Rhodochrosite is often mentioned as a meditation stone, and the shape and patterns in this piece certainly suggest a mandala of centering. Judy Hall's Crystal Prescriptions (below) lists rhodochrosite as a stone of the sacral and heart chakras, specifically useful in accepting oneself. Ahsian mentions its spiritual aspect of helping one to align with the frequency of Love. In Hall's 101 Power Crystals she tells the amazing Inca story of the rhodochrosite heart of Mother Earth.

Tiny rubies are scattered on the setting. Simmons mentions passion in relation to ruby, and notes that rose quartz lends romance to ruby's fierce passion. Melody discusses Peruvian pink opal, saying it activates the heart chakra and is a grounding stone. Please order this unusual mandala and enjoy its complementary energies in your meditations.