Phosphosiderite (great color) (analyzed and confirmed)

Chile (not Brazil!)
Gems, 9.41 ct ; 16.22 mm x 12.12 mm
Start Time: 12/16/2021 9:00:00 pm (CST)
End Time: 12/23/2021 7:00:00 pm (CST)
Auction Closed
Winning Bid: $216

Item Description

Phosphosiderite is fairly uncommon hydrated iron phosphate that is rarely seen in the gem world. Recently, 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 coming out of 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. I was able to find a photo of the rough online on a Chilean gem exporter's website. http://www.chileangems.com/Rough%20chilean%20stones/fosfosiderita.jpg . Now that we know this material is both natural (we had this material analyzed, and it was verified as fine-grained Phosphosiderite. I am happy to provide a copy of the analysis to anybody who would like it), and its true origin, we feel 100% confident in offering it for sale. 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.

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Bidding History

Bid Amount Bid Time
$216 12/23/2021 6:47:33 pm (CST)
$206 12/23/2021 6:47:33 pm (CST)
$196 12/23/2021 6:46:12 pm (CST)
$186 12/23/2021 6:46:12 pm (CST)
$166 12/23/2021 5:23:05 pm (CST)
$156 12/23/2021 5:23:05 pm (CST)
$119 12/23/2021 2:52:57 pm (CST)
$109 12/23/2021 12:59:03 pm (CST)
$105 12/23/2021 12:59:03 pm (CST)
$99 12/23/2021 12:58:52 pm (CST)
$89 12/23/2021 12:58:52 pm (CST)
$79 12/23/2021 12:52:20 am (CST)
$69 12/23/2021 12:52:20 am (CST)
$50 12/19/2021 7:58:36 am (CST)