Rhodochrosite

Unknown Owner

Classic Colorado specimen with light pink rhombohedral crystals of rhodochrosite attractive across the front of matrix. In good condition with very minimal cleaving present.The Sunnyside Mine in San Juan County, Colorado, is a historic gold and silver mining operation near Silverton that was developed in the late 1800s and became one of the most productive mines in the district. Extensive underground workings were driven into the mountains to follow rich vein deposits. The American Tunnel, completed in the early 20th century, was a major engineering project that provided deep access, drainage, and transportation for ore, greatly improving mining efficiency. The mine operated for many decades before closing in the late 20th century and remains an important part of the mining history of the San Juan Mountains.