Rhodochrosite with Quartz, Pyrite

specimen number:
2062506

location:
Hedgehog Pocket, Sweet Home Mine, Park Co., Colorado, USA

description:
An absolutely gorgeous matrix example with gemmy lustrous pinkish red crystals of rhombohedral rhodochrosite measuring to 2.3 cm in size on sparkling crystallized quartz. Minor pyrite present. This is in terrific condition. Collected in the 1990s from this famous pocket. Sits perfectly by itself or display.

The Sweet Home Mine, situated in the Alma Mining District of Park County, Colorado, was originally established as a silver mine in 1873 and later transitioned into a world-famous specimen mine before closing permanently in 2004. Within this subterranean network, the renowned Hedgehog Pocket was discovered in early August of 1996, producing over a thousand exceptional mineral specimens featuring sharp crystals of rhodochrosite associated with quartz, fluorite, and hubnerite. Geologically, the deposit sits within the Colorado Mineral Belt on the slopes of Mount Bross, where Tertiary-age hydrothermal veins cut through Precambrian metamorphic host rocks. These structure-controlled veins formed through the circulation of mineral-rich thermal fluids, creating ideal vug environments that allowed for the growth of highly saturated rhodochrosite crystals.

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