Rhodochrosite (twin)

Item Description

The Poudrette Quarry at Mont Saint-Hilaire is one of the great mineral localities in the world, producing not only a large number of species, but many of them were first discovered at this prolific quarry. Even common minerals have their own distinctive style from MSH, including Rhodochrosite which form in some of the most unique crystals seen for the species. This piece hosts a beautiful twinned crystal of Rhodochrosite with a gentle brownish-red hue on the front, but the back of the crystal has a cleaved face that shows the crystal has much richer blood red hue internally. The faces of the twin are notably sharp, lustrous and well-formed. Minor black Aegirine creates a lovely accent to this showy thumbnail specimen. A true classic from this prolific locale. For reference, the Poudrette Quarry is under new ownership, so collecting has been severely restricted, and specimens will not be as plentiful as they were in the past. From the collection of William ("Bill") (1927-2006) and Anne (1928-2021) Cook of Cleveland, Ohio (#2686). This husband and wife duo were actively involved in the mineral world for many decades. Bill was a PhD geologist, and Anne was a mathematician, and they both were very serious mineral collectors. Bill served for many years as adjunct curator of mineralogy at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, and Anne was inducted into the Micromounters' Hall of Fame on October 12, 2019. Both Bill and Anne, at various times, served as president both of the Mineralogical Society of Cleveland and of the Micromineral Society of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, and Anne was inducted into the mi The rare barium lithium beryllium phosphate Wilancookite was named in their honor in 2015.