Hureaulite with Rockbridgeite

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This is an exceptional LARGE and display-worthy plate of hureaulite crystals from the Cigana mine in Brazil which is known for its suite of high-quality phosphate species, more than for gem crystals. The secondary phosphate suite is very similar, in fact, to the famous Tip Top mine in South Dakota with respect to the phosphate species produced as a result of late-stage alteration of primary phosphates, like triphylite. However, hureaulite from this locality arguably has a more beautiful, intense rich color and luster, and is arranged in such pretty and consistently larger aggregates. This piece has superb, dark salmon-pink, 2-5mm crystals covering both sides of the piece. As most hureaulite specimens are from this locality, it is good enough for the display collector who doesn't care about the rarity, and its at the same time good enough for the rare species collector who wants display-quality examples when possible. A minor amount of dark green rockbridgeite is present on the front of the piece, but is more prolific on the back side, which is also moderately display-worthy.