A Breathtaking Crystal That Resembles Our Lady: The Story of the Rare ‘La Madona Rosa’
I grew up saying family rosaries and am named after the roses at Our Blessed Mother's feet, something I hold incredibly dear.
I had no idea, though, even with a wonderful Catholic upbringing, about all of the natural things right around us named in her honor.
My geologist husband excitedly told me about a unique discovery in the rock and mineral world called "La Madona Rosa."
"La Madona Rosa," or "The Pink Madonna" is a beautiful combination of rose quartz bordering smoky quartz that looks strikingly similar to Our Lady of Guadalupe – can you see it?
The Story of "La Madona Rosa," or "The Pink Madonna"
It was the late 1950s and some miners from a small mine called "Sapucaia" in Brazil discovered a miraculous pocket of Rose Quartz that was 16 feet in length, only six inches wide, and 12 inches high. Inside this pocket, the miners found a smaller but spectacular formation.
Pink Rose Quartz crystals bordered smoky quartz crystals in a way that had never been seen before or since!
Heritage Auctions describes the one-of-a-kind geode rock on its website:
"The smoky Quartz 'body' of the Madonna is an abstract composition of vaguely human form, bearing a multitude of scintillating surfaces. The overall effect is completed by a wide ribbon or 'halo' of sparkling Rose Quartz crystals, completely outlining the body of the Madonna and enhancing the resemblance to classical statues and icons. Measuring an impressive 15.5 x 8 inches (39 x 20 cm), it towers over all other known Rose Quartz specimens and stands in a league of its own."
Although found around mid-century, it was hidden in private collections until 1997 when its singular significance was finally recognized.
"La Madona Rosa," or "The Pink Madonna," sold at Heritage Auctions on June 2, 2013, for $662,500, setting a world record for any mineral specimen.
How special to observe this beautiful, uniquely-formed crystal, from deep within the earth, that bears such resemblance to Our dear Blessed Mother, tucked away from public view for decades–a true hidden treasure from Our Divine Creator.
