Phosphophyllite with Vivianite (classic material) (ex Rich Kosnar Collection)

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 south pegmatite being the more famous of the two. This piece is a classic and rarely seen small cabinet sized specimen featuring a few sharp, somewhat lustrous, gemmy to translucent, light blue-green color crystals of Phosphophyllite up to 8 mm which are associated with dark blue, layered crystal groups of altered Vivianite on a silvery Muscovite matrix. Simply put, these specimens are extremely difficult to obtain, and this piece could easily be at least 50-70 years old. A great association piece from this classic locality.