Barbosalite (RICH specimen)

Item Description

A superb and RICH specimen of the rare iron hydroxy phosphate species, Barbosalite, named after Brazilian geologist, Aluízio Barbosa in 1955. This specimen dates back several decades and comes with a label that states it's from "Sao Jose, Safita, Brazil" which I assume is meant to be Sao Jose da Safira. With that said, I can't find any listings where Barbosalite has been reported from this locality, so there might be something lost in translation. After doing a bit of research, I found an entry from Demetrius Pohl (https://www.mindat.org/photo-740734.html) who had a similar misnomer for his specimen, and I feel confident that this piece is from the Jocão Claim. With that said, it's certainly the RICHEST example of the species that I can remember having to offer in the auctions. This isn't a micro specimen, like most Barbosalites, this is a robust small cabinet display specimen that is LOADED with very dark blue (virtually black) botryoidal aggregates of Barbosalite with a slightly velvety / chatoyant luster, associated with pinkish-tan colored group of sharp, lustrous Hureaulite crystals in a few spots. There really isn't any matrix, just a SOLID mass of Barbosalite underneath with a bit of Quartz and Feldspar. If you collect rarities, phosphates or minerals of Brazil, this is a fantastic example of a mineral that is virtually unheard of in display quality pieces this size. I truly value this piece in the $4,000 range for size, rarity and overall quality, and it would be highly unlikely to find another like it anywhere for sale.