Description
Huanuni Mine, Huanuni Dalence Province, Oruro Department, Bolivia
Bolivia, Huanuni Mine, situated high in the Andes Mountains has produced some of the best vivianite specimens. Vivianite is a beautiful iron phosphate mineral which is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain. This piece features multiple crystals of graduating sizes which terminate in wedges going up the front of the piece. The piece is quite thick, with matrix on the back interspersed between some of the back crystals. This matrix wedging has made the back of the piece somewhat unstable with some cracking. This could be stabilized or (as we do) care can just be taken with the crystal’s display. The front is not affected by this as the vivianites are not interlaced with matrix here. The piece is well formed and quite thick so not much light comes through the bottom of the piece. At the top and edges, the vivianite is blue to dark green color and the flat faces show chatoyancy. The piece has been discounted for the cracking at the back.
7.30 x 3.70 x 2.60 cm
