Rhodochrosite and Quartz

Unknown Owner

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Rhodochrosite from the John Reed Mine is quite rare, almost unheard of, and usually just shards embedded in clunky matrix when they have survived at all. This piece, dated to the 1930s through 1950s, is a stunning and aesthetic miniature example from this long-closed mine in Colorado's base-metals mining district of the old past. The quality of these Rhodos can be quite good, as it is on this specimen with sharp crystals and cherry red color. While less gemmy than modern Sweet Home Mine (Alma) material, these old classics at their best can still stand the test of time, and the quartz association here makes it distinctive. Three intergrown rhombs have a rich cherry-red color, are gemmy to translucent, and they are associated with a euhedral, 2.2 cm Quartz crystal - exceptional for this mine. Overall, this is a rare, and first-rate, miniature-sized Colorado Rhodo. Kay purchased this from the Dave Wilber collection in the early 1960s.