Vauxite with Paravauxite, Metavauxite, Ferrivauxite and Sigloite (fantastic large specimen)

Item Description

This piece, simply put, is one of the largest Vauxite specimens in the world. Along with the impressive size, there are several aspects of the piece that make it very desirable. First, the beautiful blue Vauxite crystals - some of which have altered to brown Ferrivauxite - are associated with micro fibrous "strands" of the super rare phosphate Metavauxite, plus tabular micro crystals of Paravauxite - some of which have altered to Sigloite - and small whitish spheres of Wavellite. This means that this piece is just a dream for phosphate collectors. 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 SIX individual phosphate species all on one specimen, and the fact that this mine is the TYPE LOCALITY for Vauxite, Ferrivauxite, Paravauxite, Sigloite and Metavauxite makes it all the better. 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. This was a MAJOR discovery of these incredibly rare minerals, the likes of which I've never seen from Bolivia, or any other world locality. We have photographed the Vauxite crystals under high magnification to show that they are truly terminated crystals and not just tiny blue massive matieral. We have also photographed the Paravauxite, Metavauxite and Sigloite crystals under the microscope. It is very difficult to obtain any specimens of this incredibly beautiful phosphate and to find all three "Vauxites" together on one piece is amazing. It is so unbelievably rare to find large, beautifully crystallized matrix specimens of Vauxite. 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. This piece was valued at $4,500 in the inventory.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the size and weight of this specimen, an additional shipping charge will be required. Please contact us before bidding if you have any questions about shipping.