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Vivianite

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BMM873551

Vivianite

Description Tabs

Description
Locality: 
Huanuni Mine, Huanuni, Dalence Province, Oruro Department, Bolivia
Class: 
Crystals on Matrix
Size Range: 
Miniature (4.5-7 cm)
Size: 
4.8 × 4 × 2.3 cm
Description

Gorgeous emerald-green vivianite crystals measuring 3 cm in length are grown on matrix. It is characterized by its excellent transparency. The edges are sharply terminated. Small yellow siderite crystals give a good contrast to the green vivianite.The specimen comes from the Huanuni mine. That’s the world's largest deposit of tin. About 10.000 workers are employed in the mine. It is located at 4,300 meters above sea level and the excavation in mining is up to 5.100 meters above sea level. It is strictly forbidden for workers to take minerals from the mine. Although they receive punishment, some of them try it again and again. Approximately every 10 years there is a major discovery of vivianites. The last major find was made in February-March 2015.  The piece shown here was found in March 2015. In perfect condition!

Mineral Data
What's on the rock

Vivianite

Formula: 
Fe2+3(PO4)2·8H2O
Strunz: 
8.CE.40
Crystal System: 
Monoclinic
Hardness: 
1.5 - 2.0
Type Locality: 
Wheal Kind (Wheal Kine), West Wheal Kitty group, St Agnes, St Agnes District, Cornwall, England, UK