Tmix07-117
Rhodochrosite With Fluorite
Rainbow Pocket, Sweet Home Mine, Alma, Colorado, USA
Small Cabinet, 8.4 x 4.3 x 3.8 cm
Ex. Dr. Stephen Smale
SOLD
I traded this from Steve recently because I always loved the juxtaposition of crystals stacked one upon the other. True, since the Rainbow Pocket was found in one of the earliest strikes at the reopened Sweet Home in 1992, there have been gemmier and more bright crystals. Nevertheless, this pocket stands as a historic find and a unique style. From this pocket, many floaters were recovered, coated with minute fluorite crystals. According to Steve, who got to pick early on, this was the most elegant and aesthetic piece for his tastes fromn the find. This is NOT repaired. It is complete, undamaged, and a floater! What are the odds? While not having surface luster of a high order, the crystals here (as typical for the pocket) have a juicy cherry-red color, just spectacular when backlit. This is, again, one of the earliest fine specimens from the reopening of the Sweet Home in the early 90s, and to my eye remains a uniquely recognizable specimen even amongst all that came out later of different styles.