SOLD
MD-118286
Paravauxite, Sigloite
Siglo Veinte Mine (Siglo XX Mine; Llallagua Mine; Catavi), Llallagua, Rafael Bustillo Province, Potosi Department, Bolivia
Small Cabinet, 5.3 x 2.4 x 1.7 cm
SOLD
These crystals are one of the most beautiful phosphates in the world. They are highly prized for their rarity and beauty. This remarkably large specimen features an attractive group of lustrous, water-green color Paravauxite crystals and some minor tan color Sigloite crystals on matrix. Sigloite forms as an alteration of Paravauxite. The largest Paravauxite crystal measures up to 1.7 cm. 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. To find a piece of this size with so many great quality crystals is unheard of these days.