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Enjoy !!
No.
Phospho Bol 5071
Phosphophyllite is one of the most rare and beautiful species in the
entire mineral world, and arguably, the most amazing phosphate
species extant. It is not only highly sought after, but in recent
years has been dubbed the "Holy Grail" of mineral species for
collectors. Many collectors and dealers alike treasure this species
for its immense scarcity and immeasurable combination of crystal
form and color. There are only two localities in the world in which
fine quality crystals of Phosphophyllite occur, one being the type
locality in Hagendorf, Germany, where the crystals rarely exceeded 6
mm in length. Over 50 years ago a second, and much more significant
discovery was made in Potosi, Bolivia. This find produced some of
the most spectacular, intense blue-green color, "butterfly"-twinned
crystals up to 15 cm on matrix. My father imported the finest known
Phosphophyllite specimen in the late 1970's, and it is widely agreed
by many experts that it is the finest mineral specimen in the world
(there is a photo of this specimen in our "Hall of Fame" section of
the website) These days, the Bolivian specimens are considered great
classics, and outstanding specimens are few and far between. Though
matrix specimens of Phosphophyllite do exist, they are very seldom
seen in today's market. The mine in Bolivia which produced this
great material in the middle of the 20th Century has not produced
anything of significance for a very long time. Recently there was a
new discovery at Unificada, and I was fortunate enough to obtain
some of these specimens. This specimen features several classic, exceptionally rare, good
size, sharp, gemmy, incredibly beautiful, light blue green color,
"butterfly" twinned crystals of this great phosphate aesthetically
sitting on a thin layer of matrix. I have photographed the crystals
under the microscope to give everyone a better perspective of how
lovely they are. One of the twins is actually doubly-terminated,
showing a beautiful dual "swallow-tail" form. These specimens are
becoming increasingly rare to obtain these days, and they command a
premium price at any level. Please note that specimens of
Phosphophyllite simply are not seen in today's market, in any
format, especially fine twinned crystals on matrix, like this piece
exhibits. It is very rare to find a cluster of Phosphophyllite
crystals on matrix, as some pieces feature only single isolated
crystals, and many more are simply broken crystals off matrix. Any
mineral collector will tell you that a matrix specimen of
Phosphophyllite is a great rarity and should be treasured not only
for its wonderful scarcity and beauty, but sheer value, which seems
to have increased exponentially in recent years Locality: Unificada mine, Cerro Rico, Potosi, Potosi Department,
Bolivia. Specimen Size: 3.2 x 1.9 x 1.5 cm.
No.
Phospho Bol 5072 Phosphophyllite is
one of the most rare and beautiful species in the entire mineral world,
and arguably, the most amazing phosphate species extant. It is not only
highly sought after, but in recent years has been dubbed the "Holy
Grail" of mineral species for collectors. Many collectors and dealers
alike treasure this species for its immense scarcity and immeasurable
combination of crystal form and color. There are only two localities in
the world in which fine quality crystals of Phosphophyllite occur, one
being the type locality in Hagendorf, Germany, where the crystals rarely
exceeded 6 mm in length. Over 50 years ago a second, and much more
significant discovery was made in Potosi, Bolivia. This find produced
some of the most spectacular, intense blue-green color,
"butterfly"-twinned crystals up to 15 cm on matrix. My father imported
the finest known Phosphophyllite specimen in the late 1970's, and it is
widely agreed by many experts that it is the finest mineral specimen in
the world (there is a photo of this specimen in our "Hall of Fame"
section of the website). These days, the Bolivian specimens are
considered great classics, and outstanding specimens are few and far
between. Though matrix specimens of Phosphophyllite do exist, they are
very seldom seen in today's market. The mine in Bolivia which produced
this great material in the middle of the 20th Century has not produced
anything of significance for a very long time. Recently there was a new
discovery at Unificada, and I was fortunate enough to obtain some of
these specimens. This specimen features several classic, exceptionally rare, good
size, sharp, gemmy, incredibly beautiful, light blue green color,
"butterfly" twinned crystals of this great phosphate which are
associated with massive tan Siderite and dark reddish-brown
Sphalerite on matrix. I have photographed the crystals under the
microscope to give everyone a better perspective of how lovely they
are. There is a slue of crystals on the piece, and the majority of
them are twinned, looking like little sets of rabbite ears poking
out of the matrix. These specimens are becoming increasingly rare to
obtain these days, and they command a premium price at any level.
Please note that specimens of Phosphophyllite simply are not seen in
today's market, in any format, especially fine twinned crystals on
matrix, like this piece exhibits. It is very rare to find a cluster
of Phosphophyllite crystals on matrix, as some pieces feature only
single isolated crystals, and many more pieces are simply broken
crystals off matrix. Any mineral collector will tell you that a
matrix specimen of Phosphophyllite is a great rarity and should be
treasured not only for its wonderful scarcity and beauty, but sheer
value, which seems to have increased exponentially in recent years. Locality: Unificada mine, Cerro Rico, Potosi, Potosi Department,
Bolivia. Specimen Size: 4.0 x 3.2 x 2.0 cm.
No.Wav
Bol 5071
This is a very impressive specimen of this often overlooked and
sometimes under appreciated phosphate. This piece has some of the
largest individual crystals of Wavellite that I have seen from
Bolivia. Please keep in mind that this mineral typically forms in
very thin needles that orient into radiating aggregates, but the
orthorhombic crystals on this specimen are distinct and very thick
for the species. This specimen consists of several pale yellow
(nearly colorless), lustrous, sharp crystals in spherical form
associated with brass colored Stannite crystals and very unusual,
small, white "spheres" of Augelite, which is extremely rare in my
experience. I must stress that the Wavellite crystals are also gem
quality, which is not common for the species. I have never seen the
association of these three species from any other mine in Bolivia or
the world for that matter. You will have a very hard time finding
individual crystals of Wavellite this size from any locality. The
quality of the Wavellite crystals on this specimen are as fine as
any I have seen from anywhere. This piece is from a one pocket find
from 4 years ago, and I have not seen any more like it since that
time. I held this one back when the find was made, in the hopes that
there would be more. Now I'm fairly certain that there will not be
any more of these amazing Wavellite specimens again, so do not miss
out on this unique and highly displayable phosphate association
specimen. Locality: Siglo XX mine, Llallagua, Bustillo Province, Potosi
Department, Bolivia. Specimen Size: 10.4 x 8.7 x 2.3 cm.
No.
Vaux Bol 5071 From the new find of 2006, this is undoubtedly one of the most
significant and momentous discoveries ever made at this locality in
the last 20 years. Not since the days of World War II has there been
such a remarkable find of this material. These are simply put, some
of the largest overall Vauxite specimens in the world, but the
greatest aspect of these pieces is two-fold. First, the majority of
the specimens feature four phosphate species which is incredibly
rare. The second significant attribute of these specimens is the
fact that they formed on a solid Quartz-Diorite porphyry rock
matrix, and not crumbly clay (after decomposed Allophane) which
means that they are much sturdier than previous Vauxite specimens,
so the pieces can be handled and displayed with ease. Now you must
note that despite the sturdy matrix, the crystals themselves are
somewhat brittle and still must be handled with care. This specimen
features excellent, medium blue color, radiating addgregates of
Vauxite associated with micro fibrous "strands" of the super rare
phosphate Metavauxite, plus tabular micro crystals of Paravauxite
and small whitish spheres of Wavellite which means that this piece
is a dream for phosphate collectors. I have photographed the tiny
crystals under the microscope to show how delicate and attractive
they truly are. There are also some fine quality Quartz crystals on
this specimen, which is really a nice touch to this already amazing
piece. Lastly, there is one isolated Pyrite cube on the specimen, so
you've got six species on a single piece. To top it all off, the
specimen is crystallized on both sides meaning that it was a
protruding "rib" in the pocket. This is a MAJOR find of these
incredibly rare minerals, the likes of which I've never seen from
Bolivia, and will more than likely never see again. This piece is
from the TYPE LOCALITY for Vauxite, Paravauxite and Metavauxite
which were first discovered along the Contacto and San Jose veins in
this mine and were first described by Sam Gordon and Mark Bandy.
Locality: San
Jose vein, Siglo XX mine, Llallagua, Bustillo Province, Potosi
Department, Bolivia. Specimen Size: 10.4 x 8.7 x 2.3 cm.
No.
Vaux Frank Bol 5071 From the new find of 2006, this is undoubtedly one of the most
significant and momentous discoveries ever made at this locality in
the last 20 years. Not since the days of World War II has there been
such a remarkable find of this material. These are simply put, some
of the largest overall Vauxite specimens in the world, but the
greatest aspect of these pieces is two-fold. First, the majority of
the specimens feature four phosphate species which is incredibly
rare. The second significant attribute of these specimens is the
fact that they formed on a solid Quartz-Diorite porphyry rock
matrix, and not crumbly clay (after decomposed Allophane) which
means that they are much sturdier than previous Vauxite specimens,
so the pieces can be handled and displayed with ease. Now you must
note that despite the sturdy matrix, the crystals themselves are
somewhat brittle and still must be handled with care. This specimen
features excellent, medium blue color, radiating addgregates of
Vauxite associated with micro fibrous "strands" of the super rare
phosphate Metavauxite, plus tabular micro crystals of Paravauxite
and small whitish spheres of Wavellite which means that this piece
is a dream for phosphate collectors, but the most significant aspect
of this specimen is the fact that it is associated with silvery
blades and spherical aggregates of the ultra rare sulfosalt,
Franckeite !! There were only a handful of these specimens
associated with Franckeite, and this one is by far the biggest and
the best. I have photographed the tiny crystals under the microscope
to show how delicate and attractive they truly are. There are also
some fine quality Quartz crystals on this specimen, which is really
a nice touch to this already amazing piece. So you've got six
species on a single specimen, which is not very commong for Bolivian
minerals. Franckeite is not found associated many colorful species
(usually it is found in association with other sulfides and
sulfosalts), and this is the ONLY locality in the world where you
will find Franckeite associated with any of the "Vauxite" species,
let alone all three of them !! This is a MAJOR find of these
incredibly rare minerals, the likes of which I've never seen from
Bolivia, and will more than likely never see again. This piece is
from the TYPE LOCALITY for Vauxite, Paravauxite and Metavauxite
which were first discovered along the Contacto and San Jose veins in
this mine and were first described by Sam Gordon and Mark Bandy. A
remarkably rare association specimen from this storied locality.
Locality:
San Jose vein, Siglo XX
mine, Llallagua, Bustillo Province, Potosi Department, Bolivia. Specimen Size: 15.6 x 11.9 x 3.6 cm.
No.
Ameth Bol 5071 Bolivia is not necessarily known for producing colorful species,
let alone gem crystals. This discovery of Amethyst in the Potosi
district of Bolivia has produced some superb quality, though not
widely known specimens from an uncommon "Alpine type" deposit. This
specimen is a great cabinet size piece consisting of sharp,
GEM/gemmy, highly lustrous, purple, scepter and simple prismatic
crystals of Amethyst associated with gemmy, white/colorless,
modified scalenohedra of Calcite with underlain forest-green color
"Chlorite" on matrix. These crystals are superb quality, and I'm
certain that many Quartz collectors do not have one of these in
their collections. For Bolivia, this is a very unique discovery, so
don't dismiss this specimen as simply "another Amethyst". Do not
miss out on this opportunity because these specimens came out
quickly and disappeared quickly, which sometimes can lead one to
believe that this might have been a one time find. Locality: San Jose vein, Siglo XX mine, Llallagua, Bustillo
Province, Potosi Department, Bolivia. Specimen Size: 10.4 x 8.7 x 2.3 cm.
No.
Parav Bol 5072 These crystals are
some of the most beautiful phosphates in the world. They are highly
prized for their rarity and beauty. This particular piece features
superb, incredibly rare, sharp, lustrous, "fan-shaped" groups and
parallel developments of light green crystals of Paravauxite associated
with tan colored crystals of Sigloite crystals covering iron-stained,
micro Wavellite on matrix. Sigloite forms as the result of the
alteration of Paravauxite. The piece is from the type locality for both
species ! Mark Chance Bandy described Paravauxite crystals in his book
"Mineralogy of Llallagua, Bolivia". He states that "Paravauxite is the
most abundant of all the 'Vauxites' from this mine," and with that said,
you almost never see specimens, especially pieces that are larger than
thumbnails available on the market, and it is virtually unheard of to
see both Paravauxite and Sigolite together. This piece is a great
example of the prismatic, sheaf-like parallel growths that Mr. Bandy
described. It is a highly displayable specimen, and one of the finest
pieces from the discovery two years ago. Locality: Siglo XX mine, Llallagua, Bustillo Province, Potosi
Department, Bolivia. Specimen Size: 8.0 x 7.8 x 4.7 cm.
No.
Parav Bol 5071 These crystals are
some of the most beautiful phosphates in the world. They are highly
prized for their rarity and beauty. This particular piece features
superb, good sized, incredibly rare, sharp, lustrous, parallel growths
of light green crystals of Paravauxite associated with tan colored
crystals of Sigloite crystals covering minor iron-stained, micro
Wavellite on matrix. Sigloite forms as the result of the alteration of
Paravauxite. The piece is from the type locality for both species ! Mark
Chance Bandy described Paravauxite crystals in his book "Mineralogy of
Llallagua, Bolivia". He states that "Paravauxite is the most abundant of
all the 'Vauxites' from this mine," and with that said, you almost never
see specimens available on the market, and it is virtually unheard of to
see both Paravauxite and Sigolite together. This piece is a great
example of the prismatic, sheaf-like parallel growths that Mr. Bandy
described. It is a good quality, full size thumbnail specimen which is
not easy to find as most thumbnails from this locality are either badly
damaged or host very small crystals. Locality: Siglo XX mine, Llallagua, Bustillo Province, Potosi
Department, Bolivia. Specimen Size: 2.5 x 2.1 x 1.2 cm.
No.
Mon Bol 5071
Monazite gets its name from the Greek word "monazein", which means "to
be alone", in allusion to its isolated crystals and their rarity when
first found. Here we have an excellent specimen consisting of very well
crystallized, ridiculously rare, sharp, small, lustrous, gemmy, twinned
and single crystals of orange-pink Monazite-(Ce) in a gemmy Quartz-lined
vug on matrix. There are a few more Monazite crystals outside of the vug,
but the best crystals are definitely inside. I've photographed the
crystals under the microscope to better depict the excellent form and
ostensible beauty. Monazite-(Ce) is usually found in granitic pegmatites,
but these crystals are found in hydrothermal tin veins where there is an
absolute absence of Thorium (usually a trace element in Monazite). It is
very difficult to obtain any specimens of this incredibly beautiful and
rare phosphate, especially in gemmy crystals like those exhibited on
this specimen. This piece is from the same mine where similar material
was discovered along the Contacto and San Jose veins, and first
described by Sam Gordon and Mark Bandy over 50 years ago. It is
unbelievably rare to find top quality matrix specimens of Monazite-(Ce)
from any locality in Bolivia or anywhere else in the world. Monazite-(Ce)
from most localities is dark and opaque and rarely bright and gemmy like
the crystals on this specimen. Lastly, these crystals exhibit a color
change effect showing a fine orange-pink color in some lighting, i.e.,
sunlight and switch to virtually colorless in fluorescent lighting. Locality: Siglo XX mine, Llallagua, Bustillo Province, Potosi
Department, Bolivia. Specimen Size: 6.5 x 4.8 x 3.1 cm.
No.
Mon Bol 5072 Monazite gets its
name from the Greek word "monazein", which means "to be alone", in
allusion to its isolated crystals and their rarity when first found.
Here we have a superb specimen consisting of very well crystallized,
ridiculously rare, sharp, small, lustrous, gemmy, twinned and single
crystals of orange-pink Monazite-(Ce) in a gemmy Quartz-lined vug on
matrix. There are a few more Monazite crystals outside of the vug, and
the reverse side of the piece has a small association of spherical,
cream-colored Wavellite with the Monazite crystals as well. I've
photographed the crystals under the microscope to better depict the
excellent form and ostensible beauty. Monazite-(Ce) is usually found in
granitic pegmatites, but these crystals are found in hydrothermal tin
veins where there is an absolute absence of Thorium (usually a trace
element in Monazite). It is very difficult to obtain any specimens of
this incredibly beautiful and rare phosphate, especially in gemmy
crystals like those exhibited on this specimen. This piece is from the
same mine where similar material was discovered along the Contacto and
San Jose veins, and first described by Sam Gordon and Mark Bandy over 50
years ago. It is unbelievably rare to find superb quality matrix
specimens of Monazite-(Ce) from any locality in Bolivia or anywhere else
in the world. Monazite-(Ce) from most localities is dark and opaque and
rarely bright and gemmy like the crystals on this specimen. Lastly,
these crystals exhibit a color change effect showing a fine orange-pink
color in some lighting, i.e., sunlight and switch to virtually colorless
in fluorescent lighting. Locality: Siglo XX mine, Llallagua, Bustillo Province, Potosi
Department, Bolivia. Specimen Size: 9.0 x 5.2 x 5.0 cm.
No.
Bor Bol 5071
The locality at Alto Chapare is probably best known for its unique
"blue" Danburite specimens, but one of the other celebrated species from
this locality is Boracite. Perhaps some of the most well known Boracite
crystals in the world are found at Bernburg in Germany, but despite the
fine quality, they are typically small. The Boracite crystals from
Chapare reach a few centimeters on an edge, while still exhibiting sharp
faces and adequate translucency. Boracites from Chapare are often more
blue in color as opposed to greener hued crystals from Germany. This
piece hosts a lovely cubic crystal of Boracite with well defined faces
and a matte luster on an altered sedimentary rock matrix. It is a good
quality Boracite crystal for this locality, and matrix specimens are
exceptionally scarce, as most crystals tend to fall off the sometimes
unstable matrix. I will point out that the crystal on this specimen is
secure and well embedded into the matrix. I have been chasing after
these specimens for years, and they have been exceedingly diffiicult to
obtain, so I cannot promise that I will have more of them in the future. Locality: Alto Chapare District, Chapare Province, Cochabamba
Department, Bolivia Specimen Size: 1.9 x 1.9 x 1.2 cm.
No.
Bor Bol 5072
The locality at Alto Chapare is probably best known for its unique
"blue" Danburite specimens, but one of the other celebrated species from
this locality is Boracite. Perhaps some of the most well known Boracite
crystals in the world are found at Bernburg in Germany, but despite the
fine quality, they are typically small. The Boracite crystals from
Chapare reach a few centimeters on an edge, while still exhibiting sharp
faces and adequate translucency. Boracites from Chapare are often more
blue in color as opposed to greener hued crystals from Germany. This
piece hosts a rather large cubic crystal of Boracite with well defined
faces and a matte luster on an altered sedimentary rock matrix. The
crystal is contacted on one side, but a Boracite crystal this size from
any locality is significant, regardless of any impairment. It is still a
good quality Boracite crystal for this locality, and matrix specimens
are exceptionally scarce, as most crystals tend to fall off the
sometimes unstable matrix. I will point out that the crystal on this
specimen is secure and well embedded into the matrix. I have been
chasing after these specimens for years, and they have been exceedingly
diffiicult to obtain, so I cannot promise that I will have more of them
in the future. Locality: Alto Chapare District, Chapare Province, Cochabamba
Department, Bolivia Specimen Size: 3.0 x 2.5 x 2.0 cm.
No.
Lud Bol 5071
The great mine at Huanuni is one of the most interesting sights to see
in the Bolivian mining landscape. This mine is known for its unique
prismatic and "drillbit" twinned Cassiterite crystals, along with
various phosphates, sulfides and assorted species. This piece is a
magnificent miniature size display specimen of this rare iron phosphate
consisting of a wonderful, sharp, lustrous, gemmy, rich green, layered,
doubly-terminated crystal group of Ludlamite aesthetically perched upon
gemmy, golden scalenohedral Siderite crystals which are sitting upon
cubic Pyrite matrix. The piece is crystallized on both sides. This is
one of the more unique and attractive Ludlamite specimens that I have
offered in years. This piece actually comes from my father's personal
collection, and is one of the best pieces in this size that he kept.
There are truly about 7 localities in the world the produce fine
crystallized Ludlamite specimens. All of these localities, except for
Huanuni and now defunct, and Huanuni is not even producing specimens
since it has been overtaken by COMIBOL which does not permit miners to
collect and remove specimens. PLEASE NOTE: There have been no more of
these specimens found in the last 6 years from Huanuni, and it is a
possibility there will never be any more, so don't miss out on a very
good quality piece from a classic Bolivian locality! Locality: Huanuni mine, Huanuni, Dalence Province, Oruro
Department, Bolivia. Specimen Size: 4.0 x 2.7 x 1.2 cm.
No. Lud Bol 5072
The great mine at Huanuni is one of the most interesting sights to see
in the Bolivian mining landscape. This mine is known for its unique
prismatic and "drillbit" twinned Cassiterite crystals, along with
various phosphates, sulfides and assorted species. This piece is a good
miniature size display specimen of this rare iron phosphate consisting
of a coverage of wonderful, sharp, lustrous, gemmy, rich green, layered,
crystal groups of Ludlamite sitting upon cubic Pyrite matrix with minor
reddish Limonite. One of the Ludlamite groups is doubly-terminated,
which is not very common in my experience. This is one of the better
Ludlamite specimens that I have offered in years. This piece actually
comes from my father's personal collection, and is one of the better
pieces in this size that he kept. There are truly about 7 localities in
the world the produce fine crystallized Ludlamite specimens. All of
these localities, except for Huanuni and now defunct, and Huanuni is not
even producing specimens since it has been overtaken by COMIBOL which
does not permit miners to collect and remove specimens. PLEASE NOTE:
There have been no more of these specimens found in the last 6 years
from Huanuni, and it is a possibility there will never be any more, so
don't miss out on a very good quality piece from a classic Bolivian
locality! Locality: Huanuni mine, Huanuni, Dalence Province, Oruro
Department, Bolivia. Specimen Size: 4.8 x 2.7 x 1.3 cm.
No. Lud Bol 5073
The great mine at Huanuni is one of the most interesting sights to see
in the Bolivian mining landscape. This mine is known for its unique
prismatic and "drillbit" twinned Cassiterite crystals, along with
various phosphates, sulfides and assorted species. This piece is a
magnificent large miniature size display specimen of this rare iron
phosphate consisting of a superb, large, sharp, lustrous, gemmy, rich
green, layered, "fan-shaped" crystal group of Ludlamite aesthetically
perched upon Limonit and micro cubic Pyrite matrix. The piece displays
amazingly well, and is one of the best pieces from the Ludlamite "boom"
occurred a little over 10 years ago. This is one of the more unique and
attractive Ludlamite specimens that I have offered in years. This piece
actually comes from my father's personal collection, and is one of the
best pieces in this size that he kept. There are truly about 7
localities in the world the produce fine crystallized Ludlamite
specimens. All of these localities, except for Huanuni and now defunct,
and Huanuni is not even producing specimens since it has been overtaken
by COMIBOL which does not permit miners to collect and remove specimens.
PLEASE NOTE: There have been no more of these specimens found in the
last 6 years from Huanuni, and it is a possibility there will never be
any more, so don't miss out on a very good quality piece from a classic
Bolivian locality! Locality: Huanuni mine, Huanuni, Dalence Province, Oruro
Department, Bolivia. Specimen Size: 5.5 x 4.7 x 2.5 cm.
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