Vivianite (ex Dave Bergman Collection)

Item Description

The Vivianites from Tomokoni are inarguably some of the finest quality Vivianite specimens from any Bolivian locality. They are some of the sharpest, gemmiest and most LUSTROUS examples ever seen from anywhere in Bolivia. This small cabinet size piece features very sharp, highly lustrous, saturated emerald green, sword shaped "textbook" crystals of Vivianite sitting metamorphosed (silicified) Sandstone. I can't find any damage of note to the two main crystals, but the third crystal lying on its side is cleaved on one edge. The piece is still in superb condition compared to most you'll ever see from this locality, because over 75% of the specimens from Tomokoni had SERIOUS damage problems, so this one is a BIG deal for its pristine condition. I value this one easily at $1,500+ for the quality, gemminess and overall condition. From the collection of Colorado mining legend, Dave Bergman. Dave is now retired, but among other things, he was the foreman and primary person in charge of recovering specimens at the famous Sweet Home Mine near Alma, Colorado during the late 1970s. He is also the maternal grandfather of Brian Kosnar. See Dave's photo mining at the Sweet Home on page 58 of Peter Bancroft's book "Gem and Crystal Treasures". The piece was given to Dave as a gift by his son-in-law, Rich Kosnar in June of 1984 and the hand-written label from Kosnar accompanies the piece.