Phosphophyllite (very rare) (butterfly twins)

Item Description

Phosphophyllite is one of the most rare and beautiful species in the mineral world, and arguably, the most beautiful phosphate species extant. The combination of rarity and beauty has given this species the title of the "Holy Grail" of mineral species by dealers and collectors. This specimen is from the famous find in 2010, but not from the well-known Unificada Mine, bur rather the Machacamarca mining district. This attractive small cabinet sized piece hosts dozens of exceptionally rare, translucent, iron-stained, pastel green color "butterfly"-twinned crystals measuring up to 1.1 cm with minor oxidized iron-rich matrix. It goes without saying that specimens of Phosphophyllite this size are exceptionally pricey in some cases. While the Unificada pieces bring in huge money, and these newer pieces from Huayllani are not quite the same calibre, but it's still a specimen of Phosphophyllite from Bolivia with classic "butterfly" twins! This piece is still a very attractive and good quality specimen from a very exciting find, which hopefully could one day produce specimens of the same size and quality as those from Unificada! Keep in mind that Phosphophyllite specimens simply are NOT seen in today's market, in ANY format. If you collect rarities, Bolivian minerals, phosphates or just have always wanted a piece of Phosphophyllite in your collection, don't miss out on this one.