Phosphophyllite (Type Locality) with Vivianite

Item Description

When it comes to minerals, phosphophyllite has been dubbed the "Holy Grail" of species for collectors, and remains one of the most highly sought after species on the planet. Most people associate phosphophyllite with the famous Unificada Mine in Bolivia, but the TYPE LOCALITY for the species is actually in Germany. The Hagendorf area is one of the most classic European pegmatites, and is actually the type locality for several phosphate species, not just phosphophyllite. The area is split into two pegmatites (north and south), with the north pegmatite being the least famous of the two. This piece is a classic and very rich specimen featues a myriad of lustrous, gemmy to translucent, light blue-green color crystals of phosphophyllite up to 5 mm on the front and in a 2.0 cm vug on one end. Some of the phosphos are infused with dark blue vivianite and crusts of vivianite are nearby. Simply put, these specimens are extremely difficult to obtain, and this piece is at least 74 years old, as this quarry closed in 1937. A great association piece from this classic locality. Ex Joao Gomes Collection. valued $750. This is a true rarity!