Shine On: Photos of Dazzling Mineral Specimens

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La Madona Rosa

La Madona Rosa quartz

(Image credit: Heritage Auctions)

"La Madona Rosa," a rose quartz specimen from Brazil, gets its name from a supposed resemblance to the Virgin Mary. Mary's body is formed out of smoky quartz with a halo of pink rose quartz outlining her. This sparkling beauty stands 15.5 inches (39 cm) tall, taller than other known rose quartz specimens. Quarz is made from silica, and titanium, manganese or iron lend rose quartz its pink hue. Smoky quartz's color comes from free silicon in the mineral. The starting bid for La Madona Rosa is $100,000.

Live Science Staff
Live Science Staff
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