Guide
Phosphophyllite specimens for sale
1 for sale · $1,999–$2,000 USD
79 in the gallery
Phosphophyllite is a hydrated phosphate mineral that forms as delicate, emerald-green to blue-green crystals. It typically exhibits a vitreous to subadamantine luster and can appear in prismatic or tabular habits, often creating fragile, translucent aggregates. The mineral is prized for its striking color and rarity, with many well-known specimens arising from Bolivia and Germany, where secondary mineral environments promote its crystallization. Collectors value it for small, pristine crystals and for their historic, aesthetically soft hues that can fade with prolonged exposure to light.
- Formula
- Zn2Fe(PO4)2 · 4H2O
- Rarity
- Rare
- Stability
- Moderately Stable
- Collector interest
- Very High Interest
- Classification notes
- Phosphate, hydrated phosphate; phosphophyllite group
Key characteristics
- Crystal system
- monoclinic
- Mohs hardness
- 3–3.5
- Specific gravity
- 3.08–3.13
- Luster
- vitreous
- Transparency
- transparent, translucent
- Color
- colorless, white, green, blue
- Streak
- white
- Cleavage
- perfect
- Fracture
- uneven, conchoidal
- Crystal habit
- prismatic, tabular, massive, granular
- Gem mineral
- Classic / historic
Buy Phosphophyllite specimens
View all 1Where Phosphophyllite is found
Top localities
- Unificada Mine31 specimens
- Cerro de Potosí11 specimens
- Infiernillos Mine9 specimens
- Hagendorf North Pegmatite3 specimens
- Potosí3 specimens
- Hagendorf1 specimen
- Hagendorf South Pegmatite1 specimen
- Machacamarca mining district1 specimen
- Morococala Mine1 specimen
Guides
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About Phosphophyllite
In hand specimens, phosphophyllite is most appreciated when well-terminated and free of matrix, revealing its crisp crystal faces and subtle luster. While not as common as more robust minerals, suitably prepared pieces can display a gently pearly sheen and a delicate translucency that catches the eye in a mineral cabinet. Its associations in classic localities contribute to its appeal, making high-quality crystals sought after by collectors who admire color, rarity, and the mineral’s delicate character.
