Rhodochrosite (old classic) (ex Gene Meieran Collection)

Item Description

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. 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 small cabinet specimen features a coverage of sharp, well-formed, lustrous beautiful pink colored rhombs of Rhodochrosite measuring up to 5 mm sitting on matrix. The piece is actually crystallized on the front and back, and small semi-spheres of sparkling metallic Pyrite can be seen here and there. Very little damage and very attractive up close. The piece comes to us from the collection of Gene Meieran, the world-class mineral collector and former high-ranking Intel employee ( https://uamineralmuseum.com/person/gene-meieran-chairman ) along with a label from Josef Vajdak, who mentions specifically that this is a rare specimen (not the species, but just the fact that it's a Butte Rhodo, which are rarely seen now). Valued at $1,500.