Vivianite with prismatic Cassiterite (ex Rich Kosnar Collection)

Item Description

The mine at Huanuni is one of the largest tin mines in Bolivia and is a real sight to see. This mine is better known for its phosphate species, but some of the more unique and attractive Cassiterite specimens are found there as well. This specimen hosts a 1.7 cm, sharp, rather lustrous, well formed, prismatic, "sword"-shaped crystals of dark blue-green Vivianite which are associated with eye-catching, tetragonal prisms of black Cassiterite measuring up to 1.2 cm which are sitting on Quartz and Pyrite matrix. This habit is rarely seen in Cassiterite (especially from Bolivia) and the best Bolivian specimens of this habit are found at Huanuni. This piece was mined about 30 years ago (early 1980s), and comes from the collection of Richard A. Kosnar. Rarely are these specimens available on the market, and this is one of better formed Vivianites from Huanuni that I have offered in the auctions.