Kovdorskite (Type Locality - fine crystals)

Item Description

Kovdorskite is a very rare hydrated magnesium phosphate found in only two localities in the world, both within the alkali massif on the Kola Peninsula of Russia. This rich and excellent two-sided piece is from the Type Locality - the Kovdor Mine, also referred to as the Iron Mine or Iron Quarry. Intergrown, glassy and gemmy, these beige, bladed crystals densely thrust upward from the thin rind of matrix. The largest crystals, which are up to 1.3 cm, are in excellent condition. First discovered in 1980, this is likely from the find of the mid-1990s. This is aesthetic, choice, and RARE. I obtained this around 1994 from the early finds here, brought out by the fersman Musuem of Moscow, and sold it at that time for about $600. Now, these are almost never seen on the market anymore.