Rhodochrosite in a Rosary--Pink, all grown up

Just listed--some fabulous rhodochrosite fashioned into an unbreakable bronze Rosary--

Misty, dusky pink with a moonstone-like glow, wrapped carefully in golden jeweler's brass, these Aves are complimented with larger, toasted White Turquoise Paters (yes, toasted to a cream tone!)
Then there's the Crucifix, handcast in bronze from the original Pectoral Cross obtained from a Bishop's estate; and equally substantial is the solid bronze medal of the Assumption of Mary that dangles from the centerpiece.
Want to see the listing? Click here!

Rhodochrosite comes in two forms--banded, with layers of white and/or grey with the pink (the most common form)--and the rarer, purer solid rose color that can vary from light to a deep, almost glowing red-pink.  It was called Inca Rose by the Aztecs, who believed the stone was the transfigured blood of their gods, and some of the best banded variety is still found in South America. In fact, the mineral is found throughout the world--but the best deep red-pink crystals are found in the Sweet Home Mine in Colorado and nowhere else.  It's a softer stone, but will hold up to use (MOHS 3.5-4 on a scale of 10). It's simply a beautiful and unique stone!

MEANWHILE...
The rain has continued, with a hard downpour this afternoon.  The cats miss the open windows, and I haven't heard a bird all day.  Work this week is full of sad, strange deaths and some gentle passings. I take comfort in the fact that the very end of this part of existence is so tenderly attended by the Angels--you can see the body softly give up the spirit at the last moments, no matter how hard the journey there was. That's what I notice in my Hospice patients--when care is taken to bring such comfort as can be given to the patient and the family, there is that moment of stillness and calm at the end.. It's an honor to help the patient and the family through this greatest of all transitions.  Mother Teresa was right--to serve them is to serve Jesus.
Blessings+
J