Stunning Reunion of Colorado Mineral Treasures

Following the success of the 2021 historic Colorado rhodochrosite display, Hardrock Summit is thrilled to announce another remarkable reunion: the Smoky Hawk King, Smoky Hawk Queen, and Baveno Twin will be exhibited together for the very first time.
This year’s showcase will captivate attendees with the spectacular pairing of deep sky-blue amazonite and lustrous smoky quartz crystals from the famous Smoky Hawk Claim near Lake George, Colorado. These mineral combinations are regarded as some of the finest of their kind in the world.

A Historic Discovery

 
The Smoky Hawk Claim has been renowned for more than a century as one of Colorado’s most important mineral localities. Its amazonite–smoky quartz combinations are celebrated worldwide for their color, size, and clarity.
The three featured specimens were discovered between the late 1990s and early 2000s by the Dorris family, who revitalized exploration at the claim. Each piece represents a different highlight of the locality:

Smoky Hawk King – The largest and most commanding specimen from the site, with powerful blue amazonite crystals contrasted by sharply terminated smoky quartz. Today housed at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.
Smoky Hawk Queen – Known for its exceptional balance and aesthetics, often described as the most elegant piece of the Smoky Hawk discoveries. It is part of the collection of the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas.
Baveno Twin – A rare example of “Baveno twinning,” an unusual crystal growth habit that makes this piece a true mineralogical rarity. It remains in the Dorris Family Collection.
While each is a world-class specimen in its own right, their reunion at HardRock Summit marks the first time these treasures can be viewed side by side.

Continuing the Tradition of Iconic Exhibits

 
In September 2021, HardRock Summit made international headlines by bringing together the legendary Alma King, Alma Queen, and Alma Rose rhodochrosite specimens – Colorado’s state mineral – in downtown Denver. That extraordinary display required special transport under police escort.
The 2025 exhibition continues this tradition by presenting another trio of Colorado’s most celebrated mineral icons. The Smoky Hawk King, Queen, and Baveno Twin are widely recognized as museum-level masterpieces and a must-see for collectors, enthusiasts, and geologists alike.

More than a Showcase

 
Hardrock Summit is much more than an exhibition of extraordinary specimens. The event features an expansive selection of world-class rock, mineral, gemstone, fossil, and jewelry booths, offering visitors the rare opportunity to explore, learn, and even purchase remarkable pieces. It is an experience that combines the wonder of a museum with the excitement of a marketplace.

Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness three of Colorado’s greatest mineral treasures reunited for the first time.