Rhodochrosite from the Sweet Home Mine in Alma, CO has become the standard against which all other rhodochrosite is measured. So far, nothing in the world has matched its combination of vibrant cherry red color, crisp scalenohedral crystal habit, and gleaming luster. This is an exceptional specimen that has about 15 crystals with all the best characteristics of Sweet Home rhodochrosite, plus they are set on a bed of needle-sharp porcupine quartz with minor tetrahedrite. The specimen probably came from the famed Hedgehog Pocket, Main Stope Drift, which was opened in 1996. A few of the crystals are contacted, but the vast majority are sharp, shiny, perfect scalenohedrons. I acquired this specimen at the Denver Gem & Mineral Show. In October 2004 the Sweet Home Mine was closed, and the portal filled with tons of cement. Mine owner Brian Lees explained to me that the mineralized zone was totally mined out, and since there were no areas left to explore, the decision to close was sad but clear. Since then, the prices have skyrocketed to the point that if you see one at a show and there's no price marked, you probably can't afford to buy it!