About Our Goodletite
New Zealand Ruby Rock — One of Earth's Rarest Gemstones
Goodletite, famously known as New Zealand Ruby Rock, is an exceptionally rare gemstone found exclusively in the Hokitika region of New Zealand's South Island. It is considered one of the rarest stones on Earth — statistically rarer than diamonds — because it has never been found in its original "mother lode." Despite over a century of searching, no one has ever located the original rock formation where Goodletite is born.
All known specimens have been found as boulders in glacial moraines or riverbeds, carried by ancient glaciers from an unknown source deep within the Southern Alps. This mystery is part of what makes Goodletite so extraordinary.
What is Goodletite Made Of?
Goodletite is a fusion of vibrant green Fuchsite — a chromium-rich variety of muscovite mica — embedded with crystals of Ruby and Sapphire (corundum). It often contains dark needles of Tourmaline running through the matrix.
The result is a visual aesthetic unlike any other gemstone in the world: a shimmering emerald-green matrix set against deep pink-to-red ruby inclusions, threaded with dark tourmaline needles. The contrast is striking, vivid, and entirely natural. No two stones are alike.
A Stone With a History
Goodletite was identified in the late 1800s and named after William Goodlet, who first recognised the red stones within the rock as rubies. Since then, it has become a high-value collector's item and a unique piece of New Zealand's natural heritage.
It remains a "holy grail" for gem hunters worldwide — and a prized possession for those lucky enough to own a piece of this glacial treasure.
Our Goodletite Carvings
Every Goodletite piece in our collection is hand-carved from genuine Hokitika-sourced stone and numbered individually. No two pieces are the same — each carries its own unique combination of green fuchsite, ruby inclusions, and tourmaline needles.
When a piece sells, it is gone. We cannot reorder or restock. This is the nature of working with a stone this rare.
Caring for Your Goodletite
- Clean gently with a soft, damp cloth.
- Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals, perfumes, or ultrasonic cleaners.
- Store wrapped in a soft cloth or pouch to prevent scratching.
- Handle with care — while durable, the stone can chip if knocked sharply.
A Note on Authenticity
All Goodletite sold by KiwiRocks And Gems From Kiwi Country is genuine, sourced from the Hokitika region of New Zealand's South Island. If you have any questions about a specific piece — its character, composition, or the stone itself — please get in touch. We are happy to share what we know about each carving.
Goodletite is a symbol of New Zealand's wild West Coast — mysterious, rugged, and brilliantly coloured.