Rhodochrosite, with minor Quartz and Chalcopyrite
American Tunnel Mine, Sunnyside Mine Complex
San Juan County, Colorado
5.2 cm x 4.3 cm x 2.8 cm
Out of an old collection, is this amazing specimen of Rhodochrosite from this older locality.
This specimen was purchased in the 1970's. This is one of the finest American Tunnel mine rhodochrosite specimens that I have seen.
Specimens from this locale are more commonly seen as druzy botryoidal form of rhodochrosite, and much lighter in color.
This is a very well crystalized specimen, with beautiful reddish pink colored rhombs up to 8 mm in size.
The is some great twinning of rhombs on the specimen.
They have good clarity, which allows you to see the wonderful zoning in these crystals, as well as some of the chalcopyrite inclusions.
Also present are micro crystals of quartz and chalcopyrite among the rhombs.
A truly beautiful and hard to find Colorado specimen.
