What is the Rarest Mineral Found in Colorado?

The ground of Colorado is filled with a bunch of fascinating rocks and minerals. I remember when I was a kid, I found what I thought was a gigantic gold nugget in a stream. I was so excited, and I thought I was the biggest gold prospector on the face of the earth.

Turns out I was a fool and was duped by Pyrite, commonly known as "fool's gold". Pyrite is common in Colorado and found in areas near Colorado's gold and silver mining locations. While it looks like gold, this mineral isn't worth nearly as much.

Colorado's Favorite Mineral

One of the most common minerals found all throughout the state of Colorado is quartz. There are many different variations, and it is a common component of many different rock types.

A Variation of Colorado's State Mineral is Also the Rarest

On April 17, 2002, Colorado's Governor, Bill Owens, signed a bill designating the state's official mineral. That mineral is known as Rhodochrosite. While this mineral resembles a gemstone, it is not.

Get our free mobile app

Crystals formed from manganese carbonate are much softer than most gemstones, but are still quite eye-catching. Rhodochrosite is found in 18 Colorado counties that are associated with gold and silver mining.

READ MORE: WHERE TO GO GEODE HUNTING IN COLORADO

Rhodochrosites, specifically from the Sweet Home Mine located near Alma, Colorado, have been noted to be some of the rarest and finest specimens ever to be discovered. These minerals are extremely rare in gem quality, and some specimens have even sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The finest example of Rhodochrosite in the world is on display in Denver, Colorado, at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Dubbed the Alma King, the ruby red mineral is the size of a football on the bed of white quartz.

READ MORE: DID YOU KNOW YOU CAN FIND OBSIDIAN IN COLORADO?