The Franklin Mine, specifically the Buckwheat pit, is the TL for chlorophoenicite. I don’t know if this specimen came from the Buckwheat pit or some other part of the mine, but I do know that, apart from a slag locality in Greece, the only places that chlorophoenicite was ever was found were the Franklin Mine (in the broad sense) and the nearby Sterling Mine. Both mines closed long ago and are now flooded.

While chlorophoenicite was not rare in these mines, this specimen has relatively large crystals and is quite rich despite its small size. The matrix is also of some interest. It consists of grainy franklinite, platy zincite, and massive leucophoenicite. The Franklin Mine is also the co-TL for leucophoenicite. It too is a very rare mineral – except at Franklin.

Chlorophoenice is white or colorless (although the originally described prismatic crystals apparently exhibited an alexandrite-like color effect). However, it stains very easily and these crystals look beige/tan - as is very common.

FOV in all three of the close-up photos is 6.9 x 4.6 mm. The little spheroids are a fizzy carbonate, probably calcite, but other things (e.g. smithsonite) are possible – not analyzed.

Single item shipping weight is 4.0 oz. Note that USPS foreign packet rates recently increased significantly. It may be advantageous for foreign customers to hold an "open box" so as to reduce postage costs by combining items from a future auction. Let me know, and I will generate a new “item only” invoice. Postage will be invoiced when all items are actually shipped.

Outside the USA, the stated postage and packing rate applies up to a total weight of 8 oz (225 g).

Within the USA, there is a nominal increase of $0.20 for each additional ounce. Above 13 oz, I will use Priority Mail. Up to 16 oz, the “own box” Priority rate is $8.50 (including packing).

Please see my "Shipping Policy" for details.