|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
1.4 x 1.3 x 1.1 cm. First discovered here in the 1920’s and named by Sam Gordon, of the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia, this rare phosphate has gemmy light green acicular crystals with superior luster. Although small overall, the specimen features exquisite crystals of unusually good form, translucence, and sharpness and is thus of higher quality than one might otherwise think.
4.8 x 3.4 x 2.0 cm. This particular piece is a remarkable, very well crystallized, very rare specimen consisting of small, bladed, beautiful blue color, radiating aggregates of Vauxite coated by with tabular blades of greenish-white Paravauxite on minor clay (probably decomposed Allophane) matrix. There are also some very tiny spots of brownish-tan Childrenite on the specimen as well. It is very difficult to obtain any specimens of this incredibly beautiful phosphate and to find two "Vauxite" species together on one piece is fantastic. This piece is from the type locality for Vauxite and Paravauxite which were originally discovered along the Contacto and San Jose veins in this mine and first described by Sam Gordon and Mark Bandy.
11.5 x 9.5 x 2.0 cm. From the find of 2006, this is undoubtedly one of the most significant discoveries ever made at this locality. Not since the days of World War II has there been such a remarkable find of this material. These are some of the largest overall Vauxite specimens in the world, but the greatest aspect of these pieces is two-fold. First, the Vauxite itself is associated with micro fibrous "strands" of the very rare phosphate Metavauxite, plus tabular microcrystals of Paravauxite and small whitish spheres of Wavellite. It is incredibly rare to have four individual phosphate species all on one specimen, and the fact that this mine is the type locality for Vauxite, Paravauxite and Metavauxite makes it all the better. There are also some small Quartz crystals on most of the specimens found as well, which is really a nice touch to these already amazing pieces. The second significant attribute of these specimens is the fact that they formed on a solid Quartz-Diorite porphyry matrix, and not crumbly clay (after Allophane) which means that they are much sturdier than usual. This particular piece is a remarkable, very well crystallized, ridiculously rare, specimen consisting of small, bladed, beautiful blue, radiating aggregates of Vauxite associated with micro fibrous strands of colorless Metavauxite, along with micro tabular blades of Paravauxite and small whitish spheres of Wavellite plus a few scattered Quartz crystals on firm Quartz-Diorite porphyry matrix. This piece is from the type locality for Vauxite, Paravauxite and Metavauxite which was discovered along the Contacto and San Jose veins in this mine and was first described by Sam Gordon and Mark Bandy.
8.4 x 4.3 x 3.7 cm. This remarkably attractive specimen features beautiful, water-green color Paravauxite crystals and some minor tan color Sigloite crystals associated on matrix. The reverse side of the specimen features several spherical Wavellite aggregates with Quartz. Sigloite forms as an alteration of Paravauxite. The largest Paravauxite crystal measures up to 9 mm. This specimen is from the type locality for both Paravauxite and Sigloite. Mark Chance Bandy described Paravauxite crystals in his book "Mineralogy of Llallagua, Bolivia". He states that Paravauxite is the most abundant of all the "Vauxites" from this mine. This piece is a great example of the prismatic, sheaf-like parallel growths that Mr. Bandy described.
5.4 x 3.0 x 1.2 cm. From the new find of 2007, this is another great discovery for this locality. This particular piece is a remarkable, very well crystallized, very rare, specimen consisting of small, bladed, beautiful blue color, radiating aggregates of Vauxite coated with tabular blades of greenish-white Paravauxite and Quartz on minor clay (probably decomposed Allophane) matrix. There are also some very tiny spots of brownish-tan Childrenite on the specimen as well. This piece is from the type locality for Vauxite and Paravauxite which were originally discovered along the Contacto and San Jose veins in this mine and first described by Sam Gordon and Mark Bandy.
6.8 x 4.1 x 2.1 cm. This particular piece is a remarkable, very well crystallized, very rare specimen consisting of small, bladed, beautiful blue color, radiating aggregates of Vauxite coated with tabular blades of greenish-white Paravauxite on minor clay (probably decomposed Allophane) matrix. There are also some very tiny spots of brownish-tan Childrenite on the specimen as well. There is a very small (less than 0.5 mm) crystal group of unidentified strong pinkish-red colored bladed crystals on the specimen as well - possibly Römerite (third photo)? It is very difficult to obtain any specimens of these incredibly beautiful phosphates and to find all two "Vauxite" species together on one piece is fantastic. This piece is from the type locality for Vauxite and Paravauxite which were originally discovered along the Contacto and San Jose veins in this mine and first described by Sam Gordon and Mark Bandy.
3.1 x 2.4 x 1.5 cm. This particular piece is a remarkable, very well crystallized, very rare specimen consisting of small, bladed, beautiful, blue radiating aggregates of Vauxite coated by with tabular blades of greenish-white Paravauxite on minor clay (probably decomposed Allophane) matrix. There are also some very tiny spots of brownish-tan Childrenite on the specimen as well. It is very difficult to obtain any specimens of these incredibly beautiful phosphates and to find two "Vauxite" species together on one piece is fantastic. This piece is from the type locality for Vauxite and Paravauxite which were originally discovered along the Contacto and San Jose veins in this mine and first described by Sam Gordon and Mark Bandy.
7.7 x 7.1 x 1.3 cm. This piece features superb, very rare, sharp, lustrous, light green crystals of Paravauxite measuring up to 7 mm with tan colored crystal of Sigloite on matrix. Sigloite forms as the result of alteration from Paravauxite. This specimen is from the type locality for both species. Mark Chance Bandy described Paravauxite crystals in his book "Mineralogy of Llallagua, Bolivia". He states that Paravauxite is the most abundant of all the "Vauxites" from this mine," and with that said, you almost never see specimens, especially pieces that are larger than thumbnails available on the market. This piece is a great example of the prismatic, sheaf-like parallel growths that Mr. Bandy described.
10.1 x 7.1 x 3.8 cm. From the find of 2006, this is undoubtedly one of the most significant and momentous discoveries ever made at this locality. Not since the days of World War II has there been such a remarkable find of this material. These are some of the largest overall Vauxite specimens in the world, but the greatest aspect of these pieces is two-fold. First, the Vauxite itself is associated with micro fibrous "strands" of the super rare phosphate Metavauxite, plus tabular micro crystals of Paravauxite and small whitish spheres of Wavellite. It is incredibly rare to have four individual phosphate species all on one specimen, and the fact that this mine is the type locality for Vauxite, Paravauxite and Metavauxite makes it all the better. There are also some small Quartz crystals on most of the specimens found as well, which is really a nice touch to these already amazing pieces. The second significant attribute of these specimens is the fact that they formed on a solid Quartz-Diorite porphyry matrix and not crumbly clay (after Allophane). This particular piece is a remarkable, very well crystallized, ridiculously rare, specimen consisting of small, bladed, beautiful blue color, radiating aggregates of Vauxite associated with micro fibrous strands of colorless Metavauxite, along with micro tabular blades of Paravauxite and small whitish spheres of Wavellite plus a few scattered Quartz crystals on firm Quartz-Diorite porphyry matrix. To find all three "Vauxites" together on one piece is amazing. This piece is from the type locality for Vauxite, Paravauxite and Metavauxite which was discovered along the Contacto and San Jose veins in this mine and was first described by Sam Gordon and Mark Bandy.
4.1 x 2.3 x 1.9 cm. This piece features superb, incredibly rare, sharp, lustrous light green crystals of Paravauxite measuring up to 0.7 cm with tan colored crystal of Sigloite on matrix. Sigloite forms as the result of alteration from Paravauxite. This specimen is from the type locality for both species. Mark Chance Bandy described Paravauxite crystals in his book "Mineralogy of Llallagua, Bolivia". He states that Paravauxite is the most abundant of all the "Vauxites" from this mine," and with that said, you almost never see specimens, especially pieces that are larger than thumbnails available on the market. This piece is a great example of the prismatic, sheaf-like parallel growths that Mr. Bandy described.
4.3 x 3.9 x 1.5 cm. This particular piece is a remarkable, very well crystallized, very rare specimen consisting of small, bladed, beautiful blue colored, radiating aggregates of Vauxite coated by with tabular blades of greenish-white Paravauxite on minor clay (probably decomposed Allophane) matrix. There are also some very tiny spots of brownish-tan Childrenite on the specimen as well. It is very difficult to obtain any specimens of this incredibly beautiful phosphate and to find two "Vauxite" species together on one piece is fantastic. This piece is from the type locality for Vauxite and Paravauxite which were originally discovered along the Contacto and San Jose veins in this mine and first described by Sam Gordon and Mark Bandy.
An extremely fine and relatively large plate of excellent, rare crystals of this phosphate species. They reach 1 cm in length and have the classic pastel green color. Thi remarkably rich, large plat eis from the personal collection of dealer Richard Kosnar #331 6.4 x 5.9 x 2.1 cm
A superb bowtie of fine blades of rare Paravauxite from finds of probably 60-70 years ago in the days of Mark Bandy. The individual blades are lustrous and partially gemmy, and the overall effect of the specimen is graceful and delicate. This complete-all-around thumber is superb for the species! 1.6 x 1.1 x 1.1 cm
Here we have a great “blending” of light water-green color Paravauxite crystals and tan color Silgoite crystals sitting atop spherical micro crystallized iron-stained Wavellite needles on matrix. It’s more unique than most because there is no definitive line where the Paravauxite stops and the Sigloite begins, but rather seems to alternate between the two throughout the specimen. The largest Paravauxite crystal measures up to 1.1 cm. The Siglo XX mine (Twentieth Century mine) in Llallagua, Bolivia is one of the most prolific localities, and one of the greatest tin mines in all of Bolivia and the world. This is an unusual ore deposit because of the fact that high temperature metallization took place at such a shallow depth. This mine is truly one of the most unique localities in the world from the standpoint of mineralization. This mine is the type locality for five species, three of them are “Vauxites”. The most abundant and best crystallized of the Vauxite group species (meta-, para-, and vauxite itself) from Llallagua is Paravauxite. During the World War II, some of the world’s finest Paravauxite specimens were found along the Contacto vein as described by the great engineer, Mark Chance Bandy. Last year, after a long period of inactivity and lack of new finds, exploration along the same famous Contacto vein yielded some superb matrix specimens of this highly sought after phosphate , associated with euhedral crystals of Sigloite. Chemically, these species are only separated by one water molecule but they differ greatly i nappearance , obviously. The Siglo XX mine is the type locality for both of Paravauxite and Sigloite. This locality has produced undoubtedly the finest Paravauxite specimens ever found, and it is the only locality in the world where these two species are found together. It is also the only known locality for Sigloite on the planet. These new specimens are unquestionably some of the very finest (and in some cases largest) combination pieces of these two species ever found. For rare species collectors, these Bolivian specimens are a must have considering they are some of the most attractive, unique and amazingly good quality pieces of a rare phosphate combination in existence. 7.0 x 5.8 x 2.3 cm
Large cabinet size specimens of Paravauxite are few and far between to say the least. You simply don’t see large cabinet size specimens of rare phosphates like this outside of museums. This is easily one of the largest and most showy specimens of this material extant. There is a tremendous coverage of light water-green color Paravauxite crystals and tan color Sigloite crystals sitting atop micro crystallized iron-stained Wavellite needles on matrix. The largest Paravauxite crystal measures up to 1.0 cm. The Siglo XX mine (Twentieth Century mine) in Llallagua, Bolivia is one of the most prolific localities, and one of the greatest tin mines in all of Bolivia and the world. This is an unusual ore deposit because of the fact that high temperature metallization took place at such a shallow depth. This mine is truly one of the most unique localities in the world from the standpoint of mineralization. This mine is the type locality for five species, three of them are “Vauxites”. The most abundant and best crystallized of the Vauxite group species (meta-, para-, and vauxite itself) from Llallagua is Paravauxite. During the World War II, some of the world’s finest Paravauxite specimens were found along the Contacto vein as described by the great engineer, Mark Chance Bandy. Last year, after a long period of inactivity and lack of new finds, exploration along the same famous Contacto vein yielded some superb matrix specimens of this highly sought after phosphate , associated with euhedral crystals of Sigloite. Chemically, these species are only separated by one water molecule but they differ greatly i nappearance , obviously. The Siglo XX mine is the type locality for both of Paravauxite and Sigloite. This locality has produced undoubtedly the finest Paravauxite specimens ever found, and it is the only locality in the world where these two species are found together. It is also the only known locality for Sigloite on the planet. These new specimens are unquestionably some of the very finest (and in some cases largest) combination pieces of these two species ever found. For rare species collectors, these Bolivian specimens are a must have considering they are some of the most attractive, unique and amazingly good quality pieces of a rare phosphate combination in existence. 16.5 x 11.0 x 4.5 cm
All Content and Design ©1996-2012 The ArkenstonePowered by http://mineralwebsites.comMineral Specimens by species; or by specimen id. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
share specimen![Paravauxite from Siglo Veinte Mine (Siglo XX Mine; Llallagua Mine; Catavi), Llallagua, Rafael Bustillo Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia [db_pics/mdpics/MD-269866a.jpg]](db_pics/mdpics/MD-269866a.jpg)
![Vauxite, Paravauxite, Childrenite from Siglo Veinte Mine (Siglo XX Mine; Llallagua Mine; Catavi), Llallagua, Rafael Bustillo Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia [db_pics/mdpics/MD-270295a.jpg]](db_pics/mdpics/MD-270295a.jpg)
![Vauxite, Paravauxite, Childrenite from Siglo Veinte Mine (Siglo XX Mine; Llallagua Mine; Catavi), Llallagua, Rafael Bustillo Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia [db_pics/mdpics/MD-270295b.jpg]](db_pics/mdpics/MD-270295b.jpg)
![Vauxite, Paravauxite, Metavauxite from Siglo Veinte Mine (Siglo XX Mine; Llallagua Mine; Catavi), Llallagua, Rafael Bustillo Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia [db_pics/mdpics/MD-271445a.jpg]](db_pics/mdpics/MD-271445a.jpg)
![Vauxite, Paravauxite, Metavauxite from Siglo Veinte Mine (Siglo XX Mine; Llallagua Mine; Catavi), Llallagua, Rafael Bustillo Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia [db_pics/mdpics/MD-271445b.jpg]](db_pics/mdpics/MD-271445b.jpg)
![Vauxite, Paravauxite, Metavauxite from Siglo Veinte Mine (Siglo XX Mine; Llallagua Mine; Catavi), Llallagua, Rafael Bustillo Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia [db_pics/mdpics/MD-271445c.jpg]](db_pics/mdpics/MD-271445c.jpg)
![Vauxite, Paravauxite, Metavauxite from Siglo Veinte Mine (Siglo XX Mine; Llallagua Mine; Catavi), Llallagua, Rafael Bustillo Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia [db_pics/mdpics/MD-271445d.jpg]](db_pics/mdpics/MD-271445d.jpg)
![Paravauxite, Sigloite, Wavellite from Siglo Veinte Mine (Siglo XX Mine; Llallagua Mine; Catavi), Llallagua, Rafael Bustillo Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia [db_pics/mdpics/MD-271450a.jpg]](db_pics/mdpics/MD-271450a.jpg)
![Paravauxite, Sigloite, Wavellite from Siglo Veinte Mine (Siglo XX Mine; Llallagua Mine; Catavi), Llallagua, Rafael Bustillo Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia [db_pics/mdpics/MD-271450b.jpg]](db_pics/mdpics/MD-271450b.jpg)
![Paravauxite, Sigloite, Wavellite from Siglo Veinte Mine (Siglo XX Mine; Llallagua Mine; Catavi), Llallagua, Rafael Bustillo Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia [db_pics/mdpics/MD-271450c.jpg]](db_pics/mdpics/MD-271450c.jpg)
![Paravauxite, Sigloite, Wavellite from Siglo Veinte Mine (Siglo XX Mine; Llallagua Mine; Catavi), Llallagua, Rafael Bustillo Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia [db_pics/mdpics/MD-271450d.jpg]](db_pics/mdpics/MD-271450d.jpg)
![Vauxite, Paravauxite from Siglo Veinte Mine (Siglo XX Mine; Llallagua Mine; Catavi), Llallagua, Rafael Bustillo Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia [db_pics/mdpics/MD-273350a.jpg]](db_pics/mdpics/MD-273350a.jpg)
![Vauxite, Paravauxite from Siglo Veinte Mine (Siglo XX Mine; Llallagua Mine; Catavi), Llallagua, Rafael Bustillo Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia [db_pics/mdpics/MD-273350b.jpg]](db_pics/mdpics/MD-273350b.jpg)
![Vauxite, Paravauxite, Childrenite from Siglo Veinte Mine (Siglo XX Mine; Llallagua Mine; Catavi), Llallagua, Rafael Bustillo Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia [db_pics/mdpics/MD-278430a.jpg]](db_pics/mdpics/MD-278430a.jpg)
![Vauxite, Paravauxite, Childrenite from Siglo Veinte Mine (Siglo XX Mine; Llallagua Mine; Catavi), Llallagua, Rafael Bustillo Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia [db_pics/mdpics/MD-278430b.jpg]](db_pics/mdpics/MD-278430b.jpg)
![Vauxite, Paravauxite, Childrenite from Siglo Veinte Mine (Siglo XX Mine; Llallagua Mine; Catavi), Llallagua, Rafael Bustillo Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia [db_pics/mdpics/MD-278430c.jpg]](db_pics/mdpics/MD-278430c.jpg)
![Vauxite, Paravauxite, Childrenite from Siglo Veinte Mine (Siglo XX Mine; Llallagua Mine; Catavi), Llallagua, Rafael Bustillo Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia [db_pics/mdpics/MD-280302a.jpg]](db_pics/mdpics/MD-280302a.jpg)
![Vauxite, Paravauxite, Childrenite from Siglo Veinte Mine (Siglo XX Mine; Llallagua Mine; Catavi), Llallagua, Rafael Bustillo Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia [db_pics/mdpics/MD-280302b.jpg]](db_pics/mdpics/MD-280302b.jpg)
![Paravauxite, Sigloite from Siglo Veinte Mine (Siglo XX Mine; Llallagua Mine; Catavi), Llallagua, Rafael Bustillo Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia [db_pics/mdpics/MD-280306a.jpg]](db_pics/mdpics/MD-280306a.jpg)
![Paravauxite, Sigloite from Siglo Veinte Mine (Siglo XX Mine; Llallagua Mine; Catavi), Llallagua, Rafael Bustillo Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia [db_pics/mdpics/MD-280306b.jpg]](db_pics/mdpics/MD-280306b.jpg)
![Vauxite, Paravauxite, Metavauxite from Siglo Veinte Mine (Siglo XX Mine; Llallagua Mine; Catavi), Llallagua, Rafael Bustillo Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia [db_pics/mdpics/MD-282566a.jpg]](db_pics/mdpics/MD-282566a.jpg)
![Vauxite, Paravauxite, Metavauxite from Siglo Veinte Mine (Siglo XX Mine; Llallagua Mine; Catavi), Llallagua, Rafael Bustillo Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia [db_pics/mdpics/MD-282566b.jpg]](db_pics/mdpics/MD-282566b.jpg)
![Vauxite, Paravauxite, Metavauxite from Siglo Veinte Mine (Siglo XX Mine; Llallagua Mine; Catavi), Llallagua, Rafael Bustillo Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia [db_pics/mdpics/MD-282566c.jpg]](db_pics/mdpics/MD-282566c.jpg)
![Vauxite, Paravauxite, Metavauxite from Siglo Veinte Mine (Siglo XX Mine; Llallagua Mine; Catavi), Llallagua, Rafael Bustillo Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia [db_pics/mdpics/MD-282566d.jpg]](db_pics/mdpics/MD-282566d.jpg)
![Paravauxite, Sigloite from Siglo Veinte Mine (Siglo XX Mine; Llallagua Mine; Catavi), Llallagua, Rafael Bustillo Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia [db_pics/mdpics/MD-282570a.jpg]](db_pics/mdpics/MD-282570a.jpg)
![Paravauxite, Sigloite from Siglo Veinte Mine (Siglo XX Mine; Llallagua Mine; Catavi), Llallagua, Rafael Bustillo Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia [db_pics/mdpics/MD-282570b.jpg]](db_pics/mdpics/MD-282570b.jpg)
![Vauxite, Paravauxite, Childrenite from Siglo Veinte Mine (Siglo XX Mine; Llallagua Mine; Catavi), Llallagua, Rafael Bustillo Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia [db_pics/mdpics/MD-284012a.jpg]](db_pics/mdpics/MD-284012a.jpg)
![Vauxite, Paravauxite, Childrenite from Siglo Veinte Mine (Siglo XX Mine; Llallagua Mine; Catavi), Llallagua, Rafael Bustillo Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia [db_pics/mdpics/MD-284012b.jpg]](db_pics/mdpics/MD-284012b.jpg)
![Vauxite, Paravauxite, Childrenite from Siglo Veinte Mine (Siglo XX Mine; Llallagua Mine; Catavi), Llallagua, Rafael Bustillo Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia [db_pics/mdpics/MD-284012c.jpg]](db_pics/mdpics/MD-284012c.jpg)
![Paravauxite from Siglo Veinte Mine (Siglo XX Mine; Llallagua Mine; Catavi), Llallagua, Rafael Bustillo Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia [db_pics/mdpics/MD-34734a.jpg]](db_pics/mdpics/MD-34734a.jpg)
![Paravauxite from Siglo Veinte Mine (Siglo XX Mine; Llallagua Mine; Catavi), Llallagua, Rafael Bustillo Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia [db_pics/mdpics/MD-37852a.jpg]](db_pics/mdpics/MD-37852a.jpg)
![Paravauxite, Sigloite from Siglo Veinte Mine (Siglo XX Mine; Llallagua Mine; Catavi), Llallagua, Rafael Bustillo Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia [db_pics/mdpics/MD-47359a.jpg]](db_pics/mdpics/MD-47359a.jpg)
![Paravauxite, Sigloite from Siglo Veinte Mine (Siglo XX Mine; Llallagua Mine; Catavi), Llallagua, Rafael Bustillo Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia [db_pics/mdpics/MD-49087a.jpg]](db_pics/mdpics/MD-49087a.jpg)