Vivianite on Siderite (ex Brian Kosnar Collection)

Item Description

The world famous Huanuni Mine in Bolivia is one of the most impressive specimen producers in terms of the quality of species. It has produced what are the finest examples of several species in Bolivia including the finest Ludlamites and arguably the finest Vivianites. While I've seen larger Vivianites from places like Morococala in Bolivia, the Huanuni specimens - when at their finest - are simply some of the most impressive of their kind extant. About 10 years ago (circa 2010) there was a discovery of some very fine quality Vivianites on Siderite from a newly opened portion of the mine. Keep in mind that Huanuni is a giant Cassiterite deposit (Alfredo Petrov told me it's the largest single deposit of Cassiterite in the world), but there is a zone that produces some superb phosphates like these Vivianites. This specimen hosts incredibly sharp, lustrous and well-formed prismatic crystals of rich emerald green Vivianite which are aesthetically perched atop golden Siderite matrix. There are several key aspects to the piece starting with the superior luster, sharpness and gemminess. Many Vivianites from Huanuni can be dull, rounded and nearly opaque, but the quality in these crystals is excellent. Secondly, the Vivianite group is UNDAMAGED and just beautiful from all sides, which is exceedingly rare for the material as you'll often seen one edge of these crystals is cleaved. Lastly, and perhaps most impressively, the group is aesthetically sitting on matrix. Most of the matrix Vivianites from Huanuni aren't terribly showy, but this one displays like a dream as you can see from the photos. Top quality and beautiful in person. Valued at $3,000 in the inventory for superior quality, color, gemminess and aesthetics. Please note: For the maintenance of Vivianites, the color and gemminess can be better preserved if the specimens are kept in closed dark places, and not exposed to light or heat. I've been able to maintain the color and clarity of many Vivianites for years just by keeping them in closed boxes as much as possible.