Rhodochrosite

Unknown Owner

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Beautiful pastel pink-red crystals on rolling drusy quartz matrix make this a fine example of rhodochrosite from this classic district. The crystals are very attractive - a rich color of pink. The luster on the rhodochrosite is actually sparkly due to a very thin coating of later drusy quartz atop. Specimens from this old district can date back to the early 1900s. This piece was in the personal collection of Raymond Schortmann (1908-1962), a co-proprietor of the noted family dealership in Massachusetts. His label remains with it. It was then sold through the dealership at some time before 1960 (the 6 McKinley Avenue address on their accompanying dealer label, not shown, changed in 1960). Until recently, it was in the collection of the late John Ydren of Los Angeles, from which I obtained it. I am hesitant to pin a mine name on the specimen, as there are several mines in the area, but it is certainly characteristic and highly distinct material for the heyday of this district. Given the associations here (sphalerite, quartz, some rock matrix) I am pretty sure that the Colorado experts could narrow the location down to a specific mine, with some research.