Phosphophyllite (''butterfly'' twins) (rare)

Item Description

Phosphophyllite is one of the great desirable rarities in the mineral world. The species carries the moniker "The Holy Grail" by most dealers and collectors, as the best examples are considered to be the ultimate combination of rarity and beauty in the mineral world. This particular specimen comes from a find in 2010 in the Machacamarca District in Bolivia, which produced some attractive and distinctive specimens. These pieces are not from the typical locality at the Unificada Mine in Potosi, and show a clearly different habit / style. The piece features a good amount of exceptionally rare, translucent, green color (partially iron-coated), euhedral crystals featuring narrow "butterfly"-twins measuring up to 1.0 cm on sedimentary matrix. It goes without saying that specimens of Phosphophyllite this size are exceptionally pricey in some cases. We have all seen pieces of Phosphophyllite in the past offered for notably higher values, although this piece is not of the same calibre. It is however a good sized specimen from a limited and exciting find. Please note that specimens of Phosphophyllite simply are NOT seen in today's market, in ANY format. Phosphophyllite is one of the most rare and beautiful species in the entire mineral world, and arguably, the most beautiful phosphate species extant. It is highly sought after, and good display specimens are few and far between. Many collectors and dealers alike treasure this species for its immense scarcity and immeasurable combination of form and unique color. Do not miss out on this piece as few were found, and nothing has come out in years.