Vivianite

Tomokoni adit, Canutillos Mine, Colavi, Saavedra Province, Potosi Department, 36 km NE of Potosi, Bolivia
Thumbnail, 2.7 x 1.5 x 0.9 cm
Start Time: 04/18/2019 6:45:00 pm (CDT)
End Time: 04/25/2019 6:45:00 pm (CDT)
Auction Closed

Item Description

Bolivia is known for its Vivianite crystals, but starting in the early 2000s, there was a discovery of some of the finest quality Vivianites ever found in this country. What makes them special is that they did not form in an orebody like most Bolivian Vivianites, and because of this, they were not exposed to the same environmental hazards. In turn, the Tomokoni Vivianites are incredibly sharp, lustrous and gemmy, moreso than most other crystals we've seen from most Bolivian mines. This attractive thumbnail specimen is a fine, sharp, well-formed, lustrous, gemmy, rich emerald green colored "textbook" crystal of Vivianite with a bit of minor attached metamorphosed Sandstone at the base. The crystals from Tomokoni are not only good for Bolivia, but they are some of the best quality Vivianite crystals you will see from any locality, hands down. It should be noted that the vast majority (more than 75%) of specimens from this locality has SERIOUS damage problems, but THIS piece is in great shape and essentially damage-free.

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