Phosphosiderite (analyzed)

Item Description

Phosphosiderite is fairly uncommon hydrated iron phosphate species, but you almost never see it gem form. The material has been traditionally very difficult to find pieces that are big enough to create gems of any consequence. Several years ago, we obtained a small parcel of what are some of the richest Phosphosiderite gems with some of the richest color that I have seen for the material. Originally, we were told that the stones are from Sapucaia, Brazil, which has produced massive Phosphosiderite in the past, but we now have both visual and verbal confirmation that these stones are actually from Chile. I'm told that the reason for all the confusion as to the origin of this material may be the fact that the rough could lie in a National Park, where collecting is illegal, so the locals have done their best to use subterfuge. We know this material is both natural (we had this material analyzed, and it was verified as fine-grained Phosphosiderite) and untreated undyed. This gem has an "Oval Cabochon" cut with a very distinctive purple hue. The is solid Phosphosiderite, with no other minerals mixed in, which is rare in my experience. I have only seen a few very tiny faceted gems of this material in my life, but cabochons such as this one are rare and attractive, not to mention worthwhile for any gem collector.