Rhodochrosite (rare locale) (ex Dr. William Logan Collection)

Item Description

The lesser known Moose Mine in Gilpin County, Colorado produced the best crystals of Rhodochrosites from anywhere in the county. This mine is not far from the site of the first gold rush in Colorado. These pieces were fairly difficult to find on the market decades ago, and nearly impossible today. Very few good examples were ever found, and you will only find them in old collections. The best of these crystals have a notably intense pink-red color with good internal gemminess. They are visually different from the famous Sweet Home Mine pieces in terms of color and appearance, and they stand out as some of the most vibrant Rhodos you'll find from any mine in Colorado. Most of the crystals I've seen from this locality are loose rhombs off matrix, and they often have some kind of coating, whether it be black manganese oxide or brownish iron oxide. This piece is a rare MATRIX specimen featuring and attractive, sharp, lustrous, translucent rich pinkish-red rhombs measuring up to 1.6 cm on edge associated with minor Sphalerite and Pyrite. Several faces of the main Rhodo do not have any coating, and it looks very nice when backlit. If you collect Rhodochrosite, Colorado minerals, or just interesting miniatures don't miss out on this one. Priced at $1,250 in our inventory. From the worldwide Rhodochrosite collection of Dr. William S. Logan (Specimen #X86-7).