Description :

Rhodonite

Rhodonite is a manganese silicate known for its vivid pink color and dramatic black veining. The black patterns come from manganese oxides that fill fractures or outline crystal boundaries. It forms in metamorphic environments where manganese-rich rocks are altered by heat and pressure.

Key traits

• Pink to rose-red body color

• Black, branching manganese oxide veins

• Takes an excellent polish

• Found in the USA, Russia, Peru, Madagascar

Why it’s valued Rhodonite combines bold color with strong contrast, making it a favorite for slabs, carvings, and display pieces.

Parrot Wing

Parrot Wing is not a single mineral but a copper-rich rock composed of several colorful copper minerals intergrown together. It’s named for its resemblance to tropical bird plumage.

Typical components

• Chrysocolla (blue)

• Malachite (green)

• Cuprite (red)

• Occasionally azurite or tenorite

Appearance Swirls of blue, green, teal, and reddish-brown, often with a painterly or feather-like pattern. It’s usually sourced from Mexico.

Why it’s valued Every piece is unique, and the mix of copper minerals creates vibrant, organic patterns that feel almost alive.

Orbicular Jasper

Orbicular jasper is a variety of chalcedony characterized by circular or eye-like patterns called “orbs.” These form when silica-rich fluids deposit minerals in rhythmic layers, often within volcanic rock.

Key traits

• Rounded, orb-like patterns

• Wide color range depending on trace elements

• Often brecciated or patchy

• Polishes to a glossy, glassy finish

Common varieties Ocean Jasper, Leopard Skin Jasper, Poppy Jasper, Rainforest Jasper (technically a rhyolite).

Disclaimer: All identifications are based solely on visual examination of the photographs provided. I do my best to describe each specimen accurately, but I am not a certified geologist, and some assessments may be incorrect. Buyers should review the images carefully and verify details independently.