Vivianite

VivianiteA classic single crystal of Vivianite from the famous Siglo XX mine. This superb, very sharp, rather lustrous, gemmy, rich emerald green color, sword shaped crystal is one of the better quality single Vivianites that Ive offered from this famous locality. Subscribers to the Mineralogical Record know that an entire issue was dedicated to this unique and historic locality, and those who are familiar with specimens from this mine know that good quality

The matrix features a bit of silvery-grey Magnetite or Graphite

even though it's not a complete crystal

The underside is not complete where it was removed from the pocket wall

plus crystals of lustrous

It should be noted that this crystal does a slight color change in different temperature lighting as it can shift from the golden "champagne" hue to more of a greenish overtone

Ahlfeld worked the San Jose mine and Itos mine (the other significant Andorite locality at the same mountain in Oruro) when the mines were used predominantly as a major source of tin to the United States during WWII

but the rightmost Microcline along with the termination of the Smoky Quartz are both contacted

Specimen # BOL711B11

but they weren't GEM quality like this piece

but this is one of only two matrix Peridot specimens that I've had to offer for sale

there are some small Cassiterite crystals that are actually “floating” inside the Quartz crystals

along with the accompanying smaller Brookites shows a deep flame red color when backlit along with classic desirable internal black "phantoms"