Phosphosiderite (great color) (analyzed and confirmed)

Item Description

Phosphosiderite is fairly uncommon hydrated iron phosphate, which is virtually impossible to obtain in the gem world. A couple years ago we were fortunate to purchase a small parcel of what are some of the richest Phosphosiderite gems with some of the most consistent saturated color ever seen for the material. Originally, we were told that the stones are from Sapucaia, Brazil, which has procuded massive Phosphosiderite in the past, but we now have both visual and verbal confirmation that the rough for these stones actually came from Chile. I'm told that the reason for all the confusion as to the origin of this material may be the fact that the rough might have been discovered in a National Park, where collecting is illegal, so the locals have done their best to use subterfuge. I was able to find a photo of the rough online on a Chilean gem exporter's website. http://www.chileangems.com/Rough%20chilean%20stones/fosfosiderita.jpg . Now that we know the origin of this material and the fact that it is natural, we are pleased to offer it for sale / auciton. Wwe had this material analyzed, and it was verified as fine-grained Phosphosiderite, and I am happy to provide a copy of the analysis to anybody who would like it). This gem has an "Oval Cabochon" cut with a very distinctive and eye-catching purple/lavender hue. The is solid Phosphosiderite, with no other minerals mixed in, which is rare in my experience in cabochons. I have only seen a few very tiny faceted gems of this material in my life, but cabochons such as this one are rare and attractive, not to mention worthwhile for any gem collector.