Fairfieldite (excellent) (ex O'Donnell and Nichols Collections)

Item Description

The famous Foote Mine (Foote Lithium Co. Mine) in North Carolina is one of the great phosphate localities in the world. Most of the specimens from this mine feature micro crystals, but they are some of the best crystallized examples of their respective species ever found. Over 160 minerals are found at this locality, and I encourage anyone who is interested to take a look at the nearly 800 photos on mindat.org of all the Foote Mine has to offer. This piece is a fantastic large thumbnail / toenail sized piece featuring a very good sized (1.1 cm), light beige colored aggregate of this rare hydrated calcium manganese phosphate along with a secondary group of Fairfieldite sitting on matrix. Any Fairfieldite group over 1 cm is considered large for the species, and this piece has the added bonus of being showy and aesthetic. The piece sits beautifully on its own without the aid of a base or clay. A fine example of this beloved classic material. The piece comes with a few labels, one stating it was part of the collection of Dr. Buford Nichols, along with one our old Arkenstone inventory labels stating it was part of the R. C. O'Donnell Collection.