Leucophosphite with Rockbridgeite, Jahnsite & Hureaulite

Availability

Sold

Size

8 x 5 x 6 cm - Sm Cabinet 

Formula

KFe³⁺₂(PO₄)₂(OH)·2H₂O (RRUFF)

Locality

Tip Top mine, Custer Co., South Dakota, United States

Tagged

phosphate , pegmatite mineral

Here is a wonderful specimen from the famous Tip Top pegmatite. There are at least four well-crystallized phosphate species in the mix. First are the light purple translucent Leucophosphite crystals to 1mm lining the solution cavity. These are secondary growths crystallized out of solution, as opposed to the bottle green formless masses of Leucophosphite which were formed by replacements of the parent Triphylite. Next are the numerous fans of black, acicular Rockbridgeite crystals to 1mm. All over are the smaller, less than 1mm, nut brown to orange brown Jahnsite-(CaMnMg) crystals. There are faint pink Hureaulite crystals, which measure about 2mm. A difficult subject to photograph because of the depth of focus so hard to capture with my set-up. A fun specimen though to check out for a while under the scope.