Unificada Mine, Cerro Rico, Potosi Dept., Bolivia

6.1x 5.8x 4.2 cm

A 2.1 cm, complete fishtail twin of phosphophyllite...on matrix!  Every now and then miners enter the old workings to bring out specimens.  While the majority are just shards, on rare occasions actual (complete) crystals are found.    

This crystal has a slightly frosted surface and is particularly gemmy around the top, which could probably cut a small stone (but please don't). The crystal extends to below the little bit of black matrix lying over of its base. Also, the left side of the matrix has been sawed (the thing was huge before I trimmed it).

Under different lighting conditions, the color varies.  Sunlight conditions make it look pale, but under strong halogen or incandescent lights the phospho blue really starts to come out.  The first picture, that with the strongest color, was taken under strong lighting from a Chromalux bulb.

All in all, a spectacular specimen, and a rare opportunity obtain a matrix specimen of this exceedingly scarce species.