Rhodochrosite

Rhodochrosite from Alma Colorado 4.66 CT 

Rhodochrosite from the Sweet Home Mine in Alma, Colorado, is famous for its gem-quality, glowing ruby-red crystals. It is considered the finest in the world and inspired rhodochrosite's designation as Colorado's state mineral. High-demand collector pieces can range from $145 to over $7,500 depending on size and clarity. 

Key Facts

• The Locality: The Sweet Home Mine, located in Buckskin Gulch just outside Alma, Colorado, was originally a silver mine discovered in 1873. After closing, it reopened in 1991 exclusively to mine these rare specimens. 
• Famous Discoveries: It is the source of the "Alma King," the largest and arguably finest known rhodochrosite crystal in the world, and the "Alma Rose". 
• What Makes It Unique: The exceptionally deep red color is the result of pure crystal formation with very low levels of iron as an impurity. 
• Museum Displays: You can see top-tier examples of this mineral locally at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and the geology museum at the Colorado School of Mines.