Rhodochrosite (classic material)

Item Description

The 1950s-1960s era was the heyday of Butte Rhodos on the market, but they are notably scarce these days. Butte Rhodos were almost certainly the most recognized examples of the species from the Western United States during that time until mines like the Sunnyside and the Sweet Home in Colorado took over the mantle as having the best Rhodochrosites from North America. With that said, these are still great old time classics and any Rhodo collection or suite of US minerals isn't complete without one. This attractive minature specimen features sharp, well-formed, beautiful pink colored rhombs (with some iron staining) of Rhodochrosite measuring up to 1.6 cm sitting on massive Rhodochrosite matrix. Small sparkling metallic crystals Pyrite can be seen here and there. Very little damage on the front, but contacted on the back and sides where it was separated from the pocket wall. From the collection of Colin Manlove.