Phosphophyllite and Vivianite!

A selection of phosphophyllites and vivianites from Bolivia.

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PHV01 Phosphophyllite
Huayllani, Canutillos subdistrict, Machacamarca Dist., Saavedra Prov., Potosí Dept., Bolivia
8.7x 6.4x 3.0 cm
$3000

An exceptional example of phosphophyllite from the "other" (more recent) Bolivian locality for the species.  This was my favorite from the lot, for obvious reasons.  The overall form and richness of this piece, comprised of hundreds of twinned phosphophyllite crystals, make for a particularly fine example-- certainly one of the best (if not the best) that I have seen from this location. 

The most famous examples were discovered between 1950 and the late 1970's, at the Unificada Mine in the same department, but until this find, the extreme scarcity of those pieces made it nearly impossible for collectors to obtain specimens of this sought after species.  

These contemporary pieces obviously lack the depth of color present in the older ones, but are quite exceptional as examples of the species-- the richness and sheer amount of well crystalized phosphophyllite on these specimens is something not seen from any other locality.  

Phosphophyllite from Huayllani first appeared on the market around 2010, then somewhat disappeared.  These pieces come from a more recent discovery at the same location.  Initially, they were labeled "Colavi" or "Machacamarca," but we now have more precise information. 









PHV02 Vivianite
Morococala Mine, Santa Fe mining district, Dalence Prov., Oruro Dept., Bolivia
14.8x 8.8x 8.7 cm
$3800

A stunning contemporary vivianite from Morococala.  This mine is best known for the specimens it produced in the 80's, though there has been next to no production of note since then. These days, the majority of Bolivian vivianites on the market came from the Tomokoni Adit (those are the crystals on reddish-brown sandstone matrixes) with the occasional piece form Huanuni (typically a more bluish hue, on a sulfide rich matrix.)

This one has the complex side faces that distinguish Morococala vivianites from those found at other localities.    The main crystal is particularly large, and I would say exceptionally wide-- but I believe the best display angle is actually from the side (see image directly to the right of this description.)

Please note, the color is more of a darker bluish green than the crisp grass green you might be seeing- really, it varies with the lighting type. 

You are getting a lot of bang for your buck with this piece.















PHV03 Phosphophyllite
Huayllani, Canutillos subdistrict, Machacamarca Dist., Saavedra Prov., Potosí Dept., Bolivia
7.5x 4.5x 3.1 cm
$1200

An exceptional example of phosphophyllite from the "other" (more recent) Bolivian locality for the species.  This was my second favorite from the lot.  The overall form and richness of this piece, comprised of hundreds of twinned phosphophyllite crystals, make for a particularly fine example.

The most famous examples were discovered between 1950 and the late 1970's, at the Unificada Mine in the same department, but until this find, the extreme scarcity of those pieces made it nearly impossible for collectors to obtain specimens of this sought after species.

 These contemporary pieces obviously lack the depth of color present in the older ones, but are quite exceptional as examples of the species-- the richness and sheer amount of well crystalized phosphophyllite on these specimens is something not seen from any other locality.  

Phosphophyllite from Huayllani first appeared on the market around 2010, then somewhat disappeared.  These pieces come from a more recent discovery at the same location.  Initially, they were labeled "Colavi" or "Machacamarca," but we now have more precise information. 











PHV04 Phosphophyllite
Huayllani, Canutillos subdistrict, Machacamarca Dist., Saavedra Prov., Potosí Dept., Bolivia
6.5x 5.4x 3.9 cm
$800

An great example of phosphophyllite from the "other" (more recent) Bolivian locality for the species.  This is a superbly well balanced piece, with a rich cluster of twinned crystals nicely positioned at the center of the piece.

The most famous examples were discovered between 1950 and the late 1970's, at the Unificada Mine in the same department, but until this find, the extreme scarcity of those pieces made it nearly impossible for collectors to obtain specimens of this sought after species.  

These contemporary pieces obviously lack the depth of color present in the older ones, but are quite exceptional as examples of the species-- the richness and sheer amount of well crystalized phosphophyllite on these specimens is something not seen from any other locality, including Unificada.  

Phosphophyllite from Huayllani first appeared on the market around 2010, then somewhat disappeared.  These pieces come from a more recent discovery at the same location.  Initially, they were labeled "Colavi" or "Machacamarca," but we now have more precise information. 









PHV05 Phosphophyllite
Huayllani, Canutillos subdistrict, Machacamarca Dist., Saavedra Prov., Potosí Dept., Bolivia
5.0x 4.8x 4.0 cm
$560

An great example of phosphophyllite from the "other" (more recent) Bolivian locality for the species.   The overall form and richness of this piece, comprised of hundreds of twinned phosphophyllite crystals, make for a particularly fine example-- this one is notable for the distinctness of the multiple stacked clusters-- I would almost use the word "jackstraw" to describe the arrangement, except the clusters are far thicker than the instances where the word is used.  

The most famous examples were discovered between 1950 and the late 1970's, at the Unificada Mine in the same department, but until this find, the extreme scarcity of those pieces made it nearly impossible for collectors to obtain specimens of this sought after species.  

These contemporary pieces obviously lack the depth of color present in the older ones, but are quite exceptional as examples of the species-- the richness and sheer amount of well crystalized phosphophyllite on these specimens is something not seen from any other locality.  

Phosphophyllite from Huayllani first appeared on the market around 2010, then somewhat disappeared.  These pieces come from a more recent discovery at the same location.  Initially, they were labeled "Colavi" or "Machacamarca," but we now have more precise information. 









PHV06 Phosphophyllite
Huayllani, Canutillos subdistrict, Machacamarca Dist., Saavedra Prov., Potosí Dept., Bolivia
7.4x 7.2x 4.6 cm
$695

An great example of phosphophyllite from the "other" (more recent) Bolivian locality for the species.   The overall form and richness of this piece, comprised of hundreds of twinned phosphophyllite crystals, make for a particularly fine example-- this one is notable for its relatively large size and the incredible amount of the mineral on the piece.

The most famous examples were discovered between 1950 and the late 1970's, at the Unificada Mine in the same department, but until this find, the extreme scarcity of those pieces made it nearly impossible for collectors to obtain specimens of this sought after species.  

These contemporary pieces obviously lack the depth of color present in the older ones, but are quite exceptional as examples of the species-- the richness and sheer amount of well crystalized phosphophyllite on these specimens is something not seen from any other locality.  

Phosphophyllite from Huayllani first appeared on the market around 2010, then somewhat disappeared.  These pieces come from a more recent discovery at the same location.  Initially, they were labeled "Colavi" or "Machacamarca," but we now have more precise information. 







PHV07 Vivianite
Morococala Mine, Santa Fe mining district, Dalence Prov., Oruro Dept., Bolivia
6.8x 5.5x 4.7 cm
$395

A great contemporary vivianite from Morococala.  This mine is best known for the specimens it produced in the 80's, though there has been next to no production of note since then. These days, the majority of Bolivian vivianites on the market came from the Tomokoni Adit (those are the crystals on reddish-brown sandstone matrixes) with the occasional piece form Huanuni (typically a more bluish hue, on a sulfide rich matrix.)











PHV08 Phosphophyllite
Huayllani, Canutillos subdistrict, Machacamarca Dist., Saavedra Prov., Potosí Dept., Bolivia
7.1x 4.6x 3.5 cm
$500

An great example of phosphophyllite from the "other" (more recent) Bolivian locality for the species.   The overall form and richness of this piece, comprised of hundreds of twinned phosphophyllite crystals, make for a particularly fine example-- this one is notable for the nicely isolated cluster pleasantly positioned on its matrix.

The most famous examples were discovered between 1950 and the late 1970's, at the Unificada Mine in the same department, but until this find, the extreme scarcity of those pieces made it nearly impossible for collectors to obtain specimens of this sought after species.  

These contemporary pieces obviously lack the depth of color present in the older ones, but are quite exceptional as examples of the species-- the richness and sheer amount of well crystalized phosphophyllite on these specimens is something not seen from any other locality.  

Phosphophyllite from Huayllani first appeared on the market around 2010, then somewhat disappeared.  These pieces come from a more recent discovery at the same location.  Initially, they were labeled "Colavi" or "Machacamarca," but we now have more precise information. 









PHV09 Vivianite
Morococala Mine, Santa Fe mining district, Dalence Prov., Oruro Dept., Bolivia
5.0x 4.5x 2.0 cm
$425

A beautiful contemporary vivianite from Morococala.  This mine is best known for the specimens it produced in the 80's, though there has been next to no production of note since then. These days, the majority of Bolivian vivianites on the market came from the Tomokoni Adit (those are the crystals on reddish-brown sandstone matrixes) with the occasional piece form Huanuni (typically a more bluish hue, on a sulfide rich matrix.)

This is a fairly sizable crystal-- certainly wider than most I have seen from other localities-- and it has the complex side faces that distinguish Morococala vivianites.











PHV10 Phosphophyllite
5.2x 3.3x 2.7 cm
$425

An great example of phosphophyllite from the "other" (more recent) Bolivian locality for the species.   The overall form and richness of this piece, comprised of numerous twinned phosphophyllite crystals, make for a particularly fine example.  I liked this one because the main cluster is nicely positioned on the edge of its matrix.  The cluster extends over the edge and is altered there (see side view), but from the frontal display angle, all you see is a nice light blue-green cluster nicely perched on the edge of its matrix. 

The most famous examples were discovered between 1950 and the late 1970's, at the Unificada Mine in the same department, but until this find, the extreme scarcity of those pieces made it nearly impossible for collectors to obtain specimens of this sought after species.  

These contemporary pieces obviously lack the depth of color present in the older ones, but are quite exceptional as examples of the species-- the richness and sheer amount of well crystalized phosphophyllite on these specimens is something not seen from any other locality.  

Phosphophyllite from Huayllani first appeared on the market around 2010, then somewhat disappeared.  These pieces come from a more recent discovery at the same location.  Initially, they were labeled "Colavi" or "Machacamarca," but we now have more precise information. 







PHV11 Phosphophyllite
Huayllani, Canutillos subdistrict, Machacamarca Dist., Saavedra Prov., Potosi Dept., Bolivia
5.7x 4.8x 4.1 cm
$535

An great example of phosphophyllite from the "other" (more recent) Bolivian locality for the species.   The overall form and richness of this piece, comprised of hundreds of twinned phosphophyllite crystals, make for a particularly good example.  This one is notable for its size and incredible richness.  As is typical, there is some alteration and sandstone clinging to the crystals.

The most famous examples were discovered between 1950 and the late 1970's, at the Unificada Mine in the same department, but until this find, the extreme scarcity of those pieces made it nearly impossible for collectors to obtain specimens of this sought after species.  

These contemporary pieces obviously lack the depth of color present in the older ones, but are quite exceptional as examples of the species-- the richness and sheer amount of well crystalized phosphophyllite on these specimens is something not seen from any other locality.  

Phosphophyllite from Huayllani first appeared on the market around 2010, then somewhat disappeared.  These pieces come from a more recent discovery at the same location.  Initially, they were labeled "Colavi" or "Machacamarca," but we now have more precise information. 









PHV12 Phosphophyllite
Huayllani, Canutillos subdistrict, Machacamarca Dist., Saavedra Prov., Potosi Dept., Bolivia
6.8x 5.5x 3.2 cm
$585

An great example of phosphophyllite from the "other" (more recent) Bolivian locality for the species.   The overall form and richness of this piece, comprised of hundreds of twinned phosphophyllite crystals, make for a particularly good example.  This one is notable for its size and incredible richness.  As is typical, there is some alteration and sandstone clinging to the crystals.

The most famous examples were discovered between 1950 and the late 1970's, at the Unificada Mine in the same department, but until this find, the extreme scarcity of those pieces made it nearly impossible for collectors to obtain specimens of this sought after species.  

These contemporary pieces obviously lack the depth of color present in the older ones, but are quite exceptional as examples of the species-- the richness and sheer amount of well crystalized phosphophyllite on these specimens is something not seen from any other locality.  

Phosphophyllite from Huayllani first appeared on the market around 2010, then somewhat disappeared.  These pieces come from a more recent discovery at the same location.  Initially, they were labeled "Colavi" or "Machacamarca," but we now have more precise information. 









PHV13 Vivianite
Morococala Mine, Santa Fe mining district, Dalence Prov., Oruro Dept., Bolivia
10.5x 6.5x 3.3 cm
$850

A stunning contemporary vivianite from Morococala.  This mine is best known for the specimens it produced in the 80's, though there has been next to no production of note since then. These days, the majority of Bolivian vivianites on the market came from the Tomokoni Adit (those are the crystals on reddish-brown sandstone matrixes) with the occasional piece form Huanuni (typically a more bluish hue, on a sulfide rich matrix.)

This one has the complex side faces that distinguish Morococala vivianites from those found at other localities.    The main crystal is particularly large, and I would say exceptionally wide-- but I believe the best display angle is actually from the side (see image directly to the right of this description.)













PHV14 Vivianite
Morococala Mine, Santa Fe mining district, Dalence Prov., Oruro Dept., Bolivia
6.8x 3.8x 1.1 cm
$385

A great contemporary vivianite from Morococala.  This mine is best known for the specimens it produced in the 80's, though there has been next to no production of note since then. These days, the majority of Bolivian vivianites on the market came from the Tomokoni Adit (those are the crystals on reddish-brown sandstone matrixes) with the occasional piece form Huanuni (typically a more bluish hue, on a sulfide rich matrix.)

This one has the complex side faces that distinguish Morococala vivianites from those found at other localities.    The main crystal is particularly large, and I would say exceptionally wide.  It does have some of the vertical splitting/ seam that you often see in vivianite, but the thing is solid and stable-- that's just how it formed. 









PHV16 Phosphophyllite
Huayllani, Canutillos subdistrict, Machacamarca Dist., Saavedra Prov., Potosi Dept., Bolivia
6.0x 2.9x 2.9 cm
$485

An great example of phosphophyllite from the "other" (more recent) Bolivian locality for the species.   The overall form and richness of this piece, comprised of hundreds of twinned phosphophyllite crystals, make for a particularly good example.  

This one is rather interesting-- it appears to be a complete section of a seam of phosphophyllite containing a cavity-- the effect is to form a sort of "geode" lined internally with hundreds of phosphophyllite twins. 

The most famous examples were discovered between 1950 and the late 1970's, at the Unificada Mine in the same department, but until this find, the extreme scarcity of those pieces made it nearly impossible for collectors to obtain specimens of this sought after species.  

These contemporary pieces obviously lack the depth of color present in the older ones, but are quite exceptional as examples of the species-- the richness and sheer amount of well crystalized phosphophyllite on these specimens is something not seen from any other locality.  

Phosphophyllite from Huayllani first appeared on the market around 2010, then somewhat disappeared.  These pieces come from a more recent discovery at the same location.  Initially, they were labeled "Colavi" or "Machacamarca," but we now have more precise information. 









PHV17 Phosphophyllite
Huayllani, Canutillos subdistrict, Machacamarca Dist., Saavedra Prov., Potosi Dept., Bolivia
4.3x 2.8x 1.8 cm
$385

An great example of phosphophyllite from the "other" (more recent) Bolivian locality for the species.   The overall form and richness of this piece, comprised of numerous twinned phosphophyllite crystals, make for a particularly good example.  

The most famous examples were discovered between 1950 and the late 1970's, at the Unificada Mine in the same department, but until this find, the extreme scarcity of those pieces made it nearly impossible for collectors to obtain specimens of this sought after species.  

These contemporary pieces obviously lack the depth of color present in the older ones, but are quite exceptional as examples of the species-- the richness and sheer amount of well crystalized phosphophyllite on these specimens is something not seen from any other locality.  

Phosphophyllite from Huayllani first appeared on the market around 2010, then somewhat disappeared.  These pieces come from a more recent discovery at the same location.  Initially, they were labeled "Colavi" or "Machacamarca," but we now have more precise information. 







PHV18 Phosphophyllite
Huayllani, Canutillos subdistrict, Machacamarca Dist., Saavedra Prov., Potosi Dept., Bolivia
5.3x 4.7x 4.0 cm
$385

An great example of phosphophyllite from the "other" (more recent) Bolivian locality for the species.   The overall form and richness of this piece, comprised of hundreds of twinned phosphophyllite crystals, make for a particularly good example.  This one is notable for its size and incredible richness.  As is typical, there is some alteration and sandstone clinging to the crystals.

The most famous examples were discovered between 1950 and the late 1970's, at the Unificada Mine in the same department, but until this find, the extreme scarcity of those pieces made it nearly impossible for collectors to obtain specimens of this sought after species.  

These contemporary pieces obviously lack the depth of color present in the older ones, but are quite exceptional as examples of the species-- the richness and sheer amount of well crystalized phosphophyllite on these specimens is something not seen from any other locality.  

Phosphophyllite from Huayllani first appeared on the market around 2010, then somewhat disappeared.  These pieces come from a more recent discovery at the same location.  Initially, they were labeled "Colavi" or "Machacamarca," but we now have more precise information. 







PHV19 Vivianite
Morococala Mine, Santa Fe mining district, Dalence Prov., Oruro Dept., Bolivia
7.5x 4.5x 1.5 cm
$400

A beautiful contemporary vivianite from Morococala.  This mine is best known for the specimens it produced in the 80's, though there has been next to no production of note since then. These days, the majority of Bolivian vivianites on the market came from the Tomokoni Adit (those are the crystals on reddish-brown sandstone matrixes) with the occasional piece form Huanuni (typically a more bluish hue, on a sulfide rich matrix.)

This is a fairly sizable crystal-- certainly wider than most I have seen from other localities-- and it has the complex side faces that distinguish Morococala vivianites.











PHV20 Phosphophyllite
Huayllani, Canutillos subdistrict, Machacamarca Dist., Saavedra Prov., Potosi Dept., Bolivia
3.8x 2.9x 1.7 cm
$225

An great example of phosphophyllite from the "other" (more recent) Bolivian locality for the species.   The overall form and richness of this piece  make for a particularly good example.   

This one is a rather unusual formation-- the crystals are small and very tightly packed, giving it an almost botryoidal appearance.  Very unusual piece. 

The most famous examples were discovered between 1950 and the late 1970's, at the Unificada Mine in the same department, but until this find, the extreme scarcity of those pieces made it nearly impossible for collectors to obtain specimens of this sought after species.  

These contemporary pieces obviously lack the depth of color present in the older ones, but are quite exceptional as examples of the species-- the richness and sheer amount of well crystalized phosphophyllite on these specimens is something not seen from any other locality.  

Phosphophyllite from Huayllani first appeared on the market around 2010, then somewhat disappeared.  These pieces come from a more recent discovery at the same location.  Initially, they were labeled "Colavi" or "Machacamarca," but we now have more precise information. 







PHV21 Phosphophyllite
Huayllani, Canutillos subdistrict, Machacamarca Dist., Saavedra Prov., Potosi Dept., Bolivia
4.5x 3.4x 2.5 cm
$335

An decent example of phosphophyllite from the "other" (more recent) Bolivian locality for the species.   The overall form and richness of this piece, comprised of hundreds of twinned phosphophyllite crystals, make for a particularly good miniature sized example.   As is typical, there is some alteration and sandstone clinging to the crystals.

The most famous examples were discovered between 1950 and the late 1970's, at the Unificada Mine in the same department, but until this find, the extreme scarcity of those pieces made it nearly impossible for collectors to obtain specimens of this sought after species.  

These contemporary pieces obviously lack the depth of color present in the older ones, but are quite exceptional as examples of the species-- the richness and sheer amount of well crystalized phosphophyllite on these specimens is something not seen from any other locality.  

Phosphophyllite from Huayllani first appeared on the market around 2010, then somewhat disappeared.  These pieces come from a more recent discovery at the same location.  Initially, they were labeled "Colavi" or "Machacamarca," but we now have more precise information. 







PHV22 Phosphophyllite
Huayllani, Canutillos subdistrict, Machacamarca Dist., Saavedra Prov., Potosi Dept., Bolivia
3.5x 2.5x 3.4 cm
$225

An decent example of phosphophyllite from the "other" (more recent) Bolivian locality for the species.   While there is crystallization on 2 sides, the color and richness are particularly good on what (geometrically speaking) appears to be the side-- this is the face shown int he main picture (at right) with the 3.5x 2.5 cm dimension. 

The most famous examples were discovered between 1950 and the late 1970's, at the Unificada Mine in the same department, but until this find, the extreme scarcity of those pieces made it nearly impossible for collectors to obtain specimens of this sought after species.  

These contemporary pieces obviously lack the depth of color present in the older ones, but are quite exceptional as examples of the species-- the richness and sheer amount of well crystalized phosphophyllite on these specimens is something not seen from any other locality.  

Phosphophyllite from Huayllani first appeared on the market around 2010, then somewhat disappeared.  These pieces come from a more recent discovery at the same location.  Initially, they were labeled "Colavi" or "Machacamarca," but we now have more precise information. 







PHV23 Vivianite
Morococala Mine, Santa Fe mining district, Dalence Prov., Oruro Dept., Bolivia
10.3x 5.6x 5.0 cm
$500

A great contemporary vivianite from Morococala.  This mine is best known for the specimens it produced in the 80's, though there has been next to no production of note since then. These days, the majority of Bolivian vivianites on the market came from the Tomokoni Adit (those are the crystals on reddish-brown sandstone matrixes) with the occasional piece form Huanuni (typically a more bluish hue, on a sulfide rich matrix.)

This one has the complex side faces that distinguish Morococala vivianites from those found at other localities.    

The main crystal is particularly large, and I would say exceptionally wide-- but I believe the best display angle is actually from the side (see image directly to the right of this description.)









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