Baryte on Rhodochrosite (RARE association for the locality)

Item Description

This is a rarely seen specimen of Rhodochrosite with BARYTE from the famed Emma Mine in Butte, Montana. In the 1950s there were many Butte Rhodos on the market, but they are notably scarce these days. They were probably the most recognized examples of the species from the Western United States until mines like the Sunnyside and the Sweet Home in Colorado took over the mantle as having the best Rhodochrosites from North America. This piece features small, medium pink color rhombic crystals of Rhodochrosite which play host to prismatic crystals of light tan/silvery colored Baryte, which is incredibly hard to find from this locality. The largest Baryte measures 1.6 cm, and the biggest Rhodo is about 6 mm. The Barytes are actually gemmy when backlit, and they show lovely crystal faces with alternating bright reflective luster and matte luster. There's even a bit of Quartz on the edge of the piece for a nice touch. Very minor damage, but it's more than forgivable for the rare association from this classic locality. I have nothing to compare to this, I've never seen another like it, and the value for me is significant for what it is. The piece is certainly a must-have for any fan of worldwide or US Rhodochrosites or mineral from Butte. You may not see another one from this locality on the market for a long time, so don't pass this up if this is the kind of mineral you collect. From the collection of the beloved mineral dealer and collector Rock H. Currier (1940-2015) who was the long-time owner of Jewel Tunnel Imports. Collection #RHC8739. You can see the piece pictured on mindat.org at https://www.mindat.org/photo-616407.html . Rock travelled the world in search of mineral specimens, and built and impressive collection over his lifetime. He was one of the more colorful and unforgettable figures in the mineral world. You can read more about Rock at the following links: (https://mineralogicalrecord.com/biographies_labels/currierrock/) (https://www.mindat.org/user-2982.html) (https://www.rockcurrier.com/).