Variscite (fine color)

Item Description

This is a beautiful example of these richly colored Variscites from the Iron Monarch Main Pit in Australia featuring deep magenta colored crystals (which are sometimes referred to as Ferrian Variscite, but it seems that this is a not a definitive qualifier) on matrix. This abandoned open pit iron mine is famous for its wealth of well-crystallized phosphates. We've photographed the crystals under magnification to better show the quality, luster and gemminess. Variscite is typically seen in green or colorless examples, as this particular hue is rare for the species.
Ex Colin Manlove collection.