Rhodochrosite with Quartz

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Rhodochrosite specimens from the Climax Mine are rare, because of management policies to discourage the collection of mineral specimens in order to concentrate on tonnage of ore when it was working. Few specimens of this size and caliber ever came out, and even fewer were preserved for collectors. This large rhomb is significant for the large size and robust red color, for the locality. While not quite glassy, it is moderately lustrous and richly translucent 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 priced less than more common rhodochrosite from the more famous mine.