Paravauxite with Sigloite

Item Description

These crystals are one of the most beautiful phosphates in the world. They are highly prized for their rarity and beauty. This remarkably attractive specimen features beautiful lustrous, water-green color Paravauxite crystals and some minor tan color Sigloite crystals associated with micro crystallized iron-stained Wavellite needles on matrix. Sigloite forms as an alteration of Paravauxite. The largest crystal measures up to 7 mm. This specimen 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. This piece is a great example of the prismatic, sheaf-like parallel growths that Mr. Bandy described. To find a piece of this size with so many great quality crystals is nearly unheard of these days. Enjoy.