Colorado officially named rhodochrosite as its state mineral in 2002 because even though the mineral is found worldwide, large red crystals are found only in a few places on earth, and specimens have been found in the Sweet Home Mine near Alma, Colorado. The Incas believed that rhodochrosite is the blood of their former rulers, turned to stone, therefore it is sometimes called "Rosa del Inca" or "Inca Rose".Print Collection has commissioned artist Julian Montague to create our State of America series. These bright, bold, graphic images iconicize the quirky Official State Insignias from around the nation. Red States and Blue States may now be a thing of the past.