Phosphophyllite with Siderite & Sphalerite

Phosphophyllite is one of the most rare and beautiful species in the mineral world, and arguably, one of the most desirable phosphate species extant. It is not only highly sought after but has also been dubbed the "Holy Grail" of mineral species for collectors. Many collectors and dealers alike treasure this species for its immense scarcity and immeasurable combination of form and color.

There are only a few localities in the world in which fine quality crystals of Phosphophyllite occur. The type locality is in Hagendorf, Germany, where the crystals rarely exceeded 6 mm in length. Over 60 years ago a second, and much more significant discovery was made in Potosi, Bolivia. This find produced some of the most spectacular, intense blue-green color, "butterfly"-twinned crystals up to 15 cm on matrix!! These days, the Bolivian specimens are considered great "classics", and outstanding specimens are few and far between. Though matrix specimens of Phosphophyllite do exist, they are very seldom seen in today's market.

This piece is an incredibly beautiful specimen of this great phosphate featuring several small, very sharp, incredibly well-formed, gemmy, alluring, blue-green color “butterfly”-twinned crystals with tan Siderite and dark reddish-brown Sphalerite. I photographed the Phosphos under the microscope to better show their quality. These are stunning textbook twins of Phosphophyllite, and despite their smaller size, I still consider this to be a collector quality specimen.

Please note that specimens of Phosphophyllite simply are NOT seen in today's market, in ANY format!! Any mineral collector will tell you that a specimen Phosphophyllite is a great rarity and should be treasured not only for its scarcity and beauty, but also for sheer value on the market.

Specimen # BOL711B09