Wavellite with Quartz

Although Wavellite is a fairly well-known phosphate species, it is truly only found in a handful of localities in well-crystallized display specimens. The majority of the Wavellites from world localities feature either micro crystals, or incomplete (broken) spheres on matrix. The Bolivian Wavellites, particularly those from the famous Siglo XX mine, are among the best in the world due to the fact that they occur with eye-visible spheres that are often very well crystallized and not broken in half. In addition to the good quality of the Wavellites, the Siglo XX specimens are also found with interesting associations and pleasing matrixes.

Despite their smaller size, there are some very good quality Wavellites on this specimen. The good luster combined with the translucence of the “balls” makes for an attractive little piece. The Wavellites are associated with gemmy, prismatic Quartz crystals on matrix. A worthwhile Wavellite, that is comparably better than most I have seen from Siglo XX.

Specimen # BOL711B60