Monohydrocalcite (unusual locality specimen)

Item Description

Monohydrocalcite is a rare hydrated calcium carbonate, and is a legitimate species, not a variety. This piece comes from the storied Sunnyside Mine in the San Juan mountains of southwestern Colorado, which is best known for its beautiful Rhodochrosite specimens, Fluorites and even Gold! This piece features a vug of white milky Quartz crystals which are colored pink as they are sitting on a layer of Rhodochrosite, but the Quartz crystals are actually coated with a thin white layer of Monohydrocalcite according to the label. Additionally, the carbonate Kutnohorite is reportedly on this piece as well. Now, we don't have analysis on the piece, and while Kutnohorite IS reported from the Sunnyside Mine, Monohydrocalcite has not been reported. The piece is unmistakably from the Sunnyside Mine as the underlying bit of attached host rock is a dead giveaway. If you collect Colorado minerals, or specifically minerals of the San Juans, don't miss out on this rare and unusual piece that could be a one-of-a-kind.