Spessartine
specimen number:
2063695
location:
Ruby Mountain, Nathrop, Chaffee Co., Colorado, USA
description: Ruby Mountain near Nathrop in Chaffee County, Colorado, is a volcanic landmark composed of alkali rhyolite and perlite flows formed millions of years ago. The area has a long history as a popular recreational collecting site rather than a commercial mine, attracting rockhounds searching its rocky slopes. It is famous for hosting small gas cavities within the rhyolite that contain gemmy, deep orange spessartine garnet crystals, historically misidentified as rubies and inspiring the mountain name, along with associated topaz and quartz. Collectors find these prized mineral specimens by screening and searching the weathered talus and loose rock debris found around the base of the volcanic outcrops.
A brilliant lustrous deep red almost black crystal of spessartine 0.6 cm across set on a rhyolite matrix. In great condition.
Size: 2.8 x 2.8 x 1.0 cm (thumbnail)
Collection: Ray DeMark
Questions about this specimen?
Send an email
or call us: 314-341-1811.
See More
Related by Mineral (Spessartine):
Spessartine — China
Origin: Wushan Mine, Tongbei, Zhangzhou, Fujian, China
Number: (9509907)
Size: 12.0 x 12.0 x 12.0 cm (cabinet)
Spessartine — Tanzania
Origin: Nani Hill, Loliondo, Arusha, Tanzania
Number: (2354222)
Size: 4.3 x 3.5 x 3.0 cm (miniature)
Spessartine — California
Origin: Little Three Mine, Ramona, San Diego Co., California, USA
Number: (8311203)
Size: 2.6 x 2.5 x 1.5 cm (thumbnail)