Scholzite

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Classic locality for the species, sparkling acicular crystals of scholzite to 0.7 cm in length set on matrix. In good condition.Located in the Flinders Ranges of South Australia, Reaphook Hill features a unique near surface weathered zone where metal bearing sediments interacted with groundwater to form rare phosphate minerals within gossan outcrops. While initial exploration by mining companies in the 1960s showed that the deposits were not economic for base metals, the site gained fame when mineral collectors and dealers began small scale operations in the 1970s. These collectors targeted the weathered pockets and vugs for exceptional mineral specimens, making the location globally renowned for producing exquisite, lustrous crystals of scholzite, a rare secondary phosphate.