Mitradatite, Montgomeryite & Whitlockite (rare phosphates)

Item Description

The famous Tip Top Mine, a pegmatite mined for beryllium, is well-known for its rare phosphate species. The feldspar matrix on this large specimen hosts three rare phosphates: numerous radial sprays of lustrous, translucent, rose-red, montgomeryite lathes on the front; and one edge has two pods of very rare, lustrous, olive-green, mitradatite plates as well as areas of glassy, colorless whitlockite. It is rare to see these three rare phosphates in association on the same specimen from this locale. This is in any case a large display-quality piece for the montgomeryite, on the large front surface. Note the analytical label from the Black Hills Institute, which processed many of these specimens back in the day. Valued $900-1000