Rhodochrosite with Dickite-included Fluorite

Item Description

Richard Kosnar and Dave Bergman (Brian Kosnar's father and grandfather) owned and operated the famous Sweet Home Mine in the late 1970s, and had a few successful mining seasons at the locality. It was the first time in history that the Sweet Home was mined commercially for specimens. This piece was actually mined in the 1990s, but was purchased by Brian Kosnar for his private collection as it features a style of Fluorite that was very similar to specimens found by his father and grandfather in the 1970s. Obviously, the main focus on the piece is the Rhodochrosite crystals, but the Fluorite association makes it all the more special. Several cherry red, razor-sharp, lustrous, gemmy rhombs of Rhodochrosite measuring up to 1.6 cm which are associated with well-formed dodecahedral crystals of Fluorite measuring up to 7 mm across which have a distinctive silvery and white color combination due to selective inclusions of white Dickite clay in areas. The two-tone coloring of the Fluorites is not commonly seen from the Sweet Home, and they are beautifully mixed among the Rhodo rhombs to create a very pleasing effect. Associated Quartz and various sulfides (Pyrite, Tetrahedrite, Sphalerite, Chalcopyrite, Galena) make up the matrix, which creates a pleasing mixture of contrasting colors. It should be noted that the main Rhodochrosite crystal is in superb condition, but a few of the smaller secondary Rhodos are either incomplete or contacted around the periphery where the piece was removed from the pocket wall. Overall, the piece is in superb shape, and is so showy and eye-catching, especially in a display case. I CONSERVATIVELY value this one between $8,000 - $10,000, but I could certainly see it priced higher in other venues. A very attractive and desirable high quality association specimen from the Sweet Home Mine. A great piece to add to any Rhodo suite or a collection of Sweet Home specimens, as it's unlike most you will see from the locality.