Rhodochrosite: Sunnyside mine, Eureka, San Juan County, Colorado USA

Description

Species: Rhodochrosite
Locality: Sunnyside mine, Eureka, San Juan County, Colorado USA
Dimensions: 19.5 x 18 x 9.5 cm.

RESERVED

The Sunnyside mine, located in southern Colorado’s rugged San Juan Mountains near the town of Silverton, has been well-known for its superb and varied rhodochrosite specimens for over one hundred years. Typically exhibiting vibrant “baby pink” color and associated with species such as fluorite, quartz and pyrite, rhodochrosite specimens from the Sunnyside mine are true “Colorado mineral classics.” This is an outstanding large specimen of vibrant pink crystals, consisting entirely of crystallized rhodochrosite with no matrix. An earlier generational of smaller, discoidal rhodochrosite serves as the matrix for larger rhombohedral crystals to ~1.5 cm, making for a highly-aesthetic piece. In fine condition and displays from numerous angles. High-quality rhodochrosite specimens this size from the Sunnyside mine are not at all common on the market these days. Annette Slade photo. Classic!