Sphalerite, Rhodochrosite: Eagle mine, Gilman, Colorado USA

This is an exceptional example of lustrous, jet-black sphalerite crystals with well-formed bladed to saddle-shaped vibrant pink rhodochrosite crystals from the Eagle Mine in Gilman, Eagle County, Colorado USA. The Eagle mine was for many years Colorado’s most prolific producer of mineral specimens. Closed since 1984, specimens such as this nice example are now considered classics for Colorado.

This specimen is from the personal collection of E. Mitch Gunnell, a prominent Denver Colorado mineral dealer from ~1940-1970. Gunnell’s accompanying label is wonderfully-detailed and notes that he acquired the specimen on June 3rd 1969 from Mr. Vier Shuh in Denver. This is an exceptional sphalerite specimen from Gilman, really as good as it gets for the species at this classic locality, and the rhodochrosite association is great as well. Annette Slade photo. Classic!