Pyrophyllite (bi-color)

Item Description

Pyrophyllite is an aluminum phyllosilicate mineral, often found in association with Kyanite, of which it is an alteration product. The Pyrophyllite specimens from Graves Mountain, Georgia are some of the better known examples of the species from any US locality. Obviously there is a decent amount of Kyanite and Graves Mountain, so it's easy to see where and how the Pyrophyllite formed. This piece is nearly a solid cabinet sized specimen loaded with radial sprays of Pyrophyllite that range in color from a reddish (almost metallic looking) hue to a gentle seafoam blue-green shade. The largest spray measures about 2.0 cm across. While the reddish hue is fairly well-known from this locality, the soft seafoam blue-green color is much rarer in my experience. It should be noted that John's label mentions that this piece was specifically found in the southwest corner of the East Pit at Graves Mountain, and it's not from the older finds (1960s-1970s) as it was collected in September of 2006.
From the collection of John Whatley, a well-known Georgia collector (1939-2022). John had many interests and hobbies, and favorite hobby was collecting rocks and minerals. He was a member of the Augusta and Aiken, SC Gem and Mineral Society. He also enjoyed collecting arrowheads and he co-authored the book, An Overview of Georgia Projectile Points and Select Cutting Tools. He was a member of the Georgia, South Carolina, and Alabama Archaeology Societies and he also enjoyed volunteering in the Archaeology Department at SRS.
You can read more about John at: https://www.thomaspoteet.com/obituaries/john-whatley