Rhodochrosite on Tetrahedrite with Quartz

Item Description

This fine combination specimen is one of the most rare contrasts from the Sweet Home Mine, red on black! These specimens are always, and have been, particularly desired among collectors because the black pushes up the saturation of the red and makes the crystals stand out more dramatically as well. It is from the tetrahedrite stope region of the mine, circa mid 1990s. Nothing in recent production of the back end of the orebody has even come close to this quality, and style. Here is fine plate of Tetrahedrite adorned with vivid red Rhodochrosite rhombs isolated on black matrix, and a little Quartz for accent! Even more than that, several fluorapatites (see the bright orange under fluorescence) are scattered about as well, including several on the surface of the main crystal. The Sweet Home has arguably produced some of the best Rhodochrosite in the world and this piece is a fantastic example with those large, succulent, transparent red crystals to one inch (2.5 cm) across embellishing the metallic gray, crystalline Tetrahedrite matrix! Several white Quartz needles are present locally as are a few tiny (1 to 3mm) frosted Fluorite crystals strategically perched on the Tetrahedrite. The dramatic red Rhodos are well-isolated and just glow, giving a commanding presence to this fine small cabinet specimen. These isolated, sharp crystals, in lieu of just a jumbly mess, are highly desirable. As well, it has none of the restoration and repair we have come to expect on significant old rhodo specimens, as they get recycled and labbed-up after being out of the ground for 20-plus years. Most specimens go through the lab and would indeed be restored to smooth some edges (here, with natural contacts) and give them a sharper look, but this is all natural. Valued north of $25,000 as this has no repairs or restorations; and has exceptional color contrast, isolation combined with good size. From an old collection we got back recently....things like this are just generally not available.