Rhodochrosite with Quartz (old classic)

Item Description

Rhodochrosite specimens from the Climax Mine are rare, because of management policies to discourage the collection of mineral specimens in order to concentrate on the tonnage of ore when it was working (a long time ago, mid-1900s!). Few specimens of this size and caliber ever came out, and even fewer were preserved for collectors. This is from an old collection of Gerald Herfurth, brought to market by Cal Graeber some time ago. This large rhomb is significant for the large size and robust red color, for the locality. It probably dates to the 1950s or early 1960s. It has an intense, saturated cherry red color! While not quite glassy, it is moderately lustrous and richly translucent which is rare for the location, particularly together with a rich cherry color. When backlit, the entire crystal just glows fire engine red. This is a historic, fairly significant piece that also has high visual appeal, from a long-defunct USA locality. Ironically with the premium on the better-known Sweet Home Mine locality, this is actually often valued less than more common rhodochrosite from the more famous mine, because those are contemporary and people see them and think they understand the context, whereas this material is much rarer. Dollar for dollar under $10k, this is a better rhodo to put money in, than anything contemporary, would be our opinion. It is shocking in quality for what it is and really stands out. Valued $5000-plus. 91 grams - heavy crystal!