Description
An absolutely amazing specimen of Vivianite from the State of Amazonas in Brazil.
This specimen weighs 6 lbs and 2.6 oz (2 kg and 796 grams), and you will receive this specimen.
The approximate dimensions of this specimen are: 8 7/8″ tall x 7 3/4″ wide x 4 1/4″ deep
Vivianite is a fascinating mineral that is often prized for its vivid blue to green color, which can range from a pale blue to a deep, intense blue or green, depending on its oxidation state. It is an iron phosphate mineral with the chemical formula **Fe₃(PO₄)₂·8H₂O**. Vivianite forms in a variety of geological environments, including in sedimentary rocks, peaty soils, and iron-rich environments.
### Vivianite from Brazil
Brazil is one of the notable sources of high-quality vivianite crystals, and some of the country’s deposits are famous among mineral collectors and enthusiasts. Brazilian vivianite is often found in beautiful, well-formed crystals, which can range in color from deep blue to greenish hues, sometimes exhibiting a striking contrast between blue and green zones due to differences in oxidation states of the iron content within the mineral.
#### Notable Localities
1. **Pocone, Mato Grosso** – This region in the central-western part of Brazil is famous for producing large and well-formed vivianite crystals. The crystals from this area often display vivid blue colors and can reach impressive sizes.
2. **Minas Gerais** – Another key state in Brazil that has produced vivianite, particularly in areas rich in iron and phosphate-bearing minerals. Vivianite from Minas Gerais can sometimes show darker tones of blue and green.
#### Characteristics of Brazilian Vivianite
– **Color**: The color of vivianite can vary, but Brazilian specimens are typically noted for their striking, deep blue and green hues, which are influenced by the mineral’s iron content and exposure to environmental conditions such as light and air. The color of vivianite can darken with time as it oxidizes, and it may change when exposed to sunlight or air.
– **Crystal Habit**: Vivianite from Brazil often forms elongated, prismatic crystals that are sometimes terminated and may exhibit a deep blue or bluish-green color. The crystals can range from small to quite large, with some specimens reaching up to several centimeters in length.
– **Transparency**: Brazilian vivianite crystals are often translucent to transparent, giving them a glassy, lustrous appearance, especially in well-formed crystals.
#### Formation Conditions
Vivianite typically forms in environments where both iron and phosphate are present, such as in bogs, marshes, or iron-rich sedimentary deposits. In Brazil, it can form in association with other phosphate minerals and can often be found in oxidized zones of iron-rich deposits.
### Mineral Collecting and Value
Vivianite from Brazil is highly sought after by mineral collectors, not just for its beautiful colors but also for the rarity of well-formed crystals. The mineral’s color can vary significantly depending on exposure to light, moisture, and air, with the blue tones often fading into greenish or colorless hues over time if not properly stored.
Brazilian vivianite specimens that are in excellent condition, with vivid coloration and well-formed crystals, can command high prices in the mineral market.
#### Care and Preservation
Due to its sensitivity to light and air, vivianite can undergo significant color change over time if exposed to bright light or kept in improper conditions. It is advisable to store vivianite specimens in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight, to preserve its rich blue or green color.
In summary, Brazilian vivianite is renowned for its attractive blue and green hues and high-quality crystals. It’s a prized specimen in the mineral world, offering both beauty and a touch of geological intrigue.
Mineral, Kunzite mineral specimen from Kunar Valley, Afghanistan
