Vauxite with Ferrivauxite, Paravauxite and Metavauxite (very rare)

Item Description

Here we have a great association specimen of a few incredibly rare phosphates, all from the type locality in Bolivia. The focus lies with the beautiful blue Vauxite crystals - some of which have altered to brown Ferrivauxite , which are partially coated by micro tabular crystals of virtually white Paravauxite, and some micro strands of Metavauxite. There are also some small gem Quartz crystals as well, which is really a nice touch to this already amazing piece. It is incredibly rare to have all FOUR of the individual "Vauxite" species all on one specimen, and the fact that this mine is the TYPE LOCALITY for makes it all the more enticing. The second significant attribute of this specimen is the fact that the minerals formed on a SOLID Quartz-Diorite porphyry matrix, and not crumbly clay (after Allophane) which means that it is incredibly sturdy and allows the pieces to be displayed with ease. Now you must note that despite the sturdy matrix, the crystals themselves are somewhat brittle and must be handled with care. We have photographed the crystals under high magnification to show that they are truly terminated crystals and not just tiny blue massive material. For reference, these species were first described by Sam Gordon and Mark Bandy, and found along the Contacto Vein of the Siglo XX Mine. The piece comes the find of 2006, which was undoubtedly one of the most significant and momentous discoveries ever made at this locality. Not since the days of World War II has there been such a remarkable find of this material.
From the collection of Gerry Morvell.