Rhodochrosite on Quartz with Pyrite

This beautiful specimen features two Rhombs measuring 4.0 cm across and 3.1 cm tall 2.0 cm thick, perched on a quartz and pyrite matrix. The Rhodochrosite crystals are complete, not cleaved or broken at all. There is alittle contact on the back left side which happened while in the pocket (pictured). the front left rhomb shows a natural disturbance and re-healing to the plane of the Rhodo crystal. Again, all naturally occuring in the pocket. No damage. It comes mounted on an acryllic base. 

Since the mine closed a few years ago, and prices skyrocketed, it seems everyone has poured their b grade material onto the market. It is important to maintain standards and make sure the crystals are complete and in good condition. 

I was there in 1991 at the Innsuites when Brian Lees and Collector's edge busted out the (relatively) new finds from Sweet Home. They handed out numbers like at a deli, and some people camped outside to get a low number. The room was filled with red Rhodochrosite, red roses and red bowties worn by the CE employees. It was a mind blowing array of red, and upon close examination, many of these pieces had cleavage planes on the rhodo crystals. The best they had found went to the main show and was priced much higher.