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Lot 8378
Very Rare Phosphophyllite
4 December 2005, 11:00 PST
Los AngelesUS$5,000 - US$6,000
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Find your local specialistVery Rare Phosphophyllite
Bolivia
Faceted by AGTA Spectrum Award Winner Mark Kaufman
The name phosphophyllite, meaning “phosphate leaf” is an allusion to both its chemistry and cleavage; it is a rare zinc and manganese mineral. One of the most desirable collector’s gems, phosphophyllite is also one of the rarest in existence. Found in only a few areas, this Bolivian locality, where it formed in tin-rich hydrothermal veins, is the only source for gemmy examples. Merely a few crystals are on display in museums and even fewer still rest in private hands. There are probably less than 100 faceted phosphophyllites in the world. Clean, bright material in any size is extremely rare. Phosphophyllite has a hardness of 3 to 3.5 and is brittle, making it difficult to cut and impractical for mounting in jewelry.
Exceptional clarity is what distinguishes this rare collector’s gemstone. A triangular-cut stone with excellent luster and a lovely sea-foam green color. Weighing approximately 3.19 carats and measuring 13.7 x 9.7 x 4.4mm.
Faceted by AGTA Spectrum Award Winner Mark Kaufman
The name phosphophyllite, meaning “phosphate leaf” is an allusion to both its chemistry and cleavage; it is a rare zinc and manganese mineral. One of the most desirable collector’s gems, phosphophyllite is also one of the rarest in existence. Found in only a few areas, this Bolivian locality, where it formed in tin-rich hydrothermal veins, is the only source for gemmy examples. Merely a few crystals are on display in museums and even fewer still rest in private hands. There are probably less than 100 faceted phosphophyllites in the world. Clean, bright material in any size is extremely rare. Phosphophyllite has a hardness of 3 to 3.5 and is brittle, making it difficult to cut and impractical for mounting in jewelry.
Exceptional clarity is what distinguishes this rare collector’s gemstone. A triangular-cut stone with excellent luster and a lovely sea-foam green color. Weighing approximately 3.19 carats and measuring 13.7 x 9.7 x 4.4mm.