Wardite

Unknown Owner

The discovery of phosphates at Rapid Creek during the in 1960s led not only to the identification of several species new to science but also the discovery of the world's best crystals of several other phosphates, including Wardite. Despite being incredibly remote from human habitation, over-collecting has resulted in a ban, meaning the only material now available is from the recycling of older collections. This richly crystallized miniature specimen with sharp tetragonal crystals to 7 mm across and associated deep blue Lazulite, actually comes from Crosscut Creek, one of the many individual sites in the Rapid Creek area. Ex David Hardman collection. David was a very active collector during the 1960s and 1970s and probably acquired this piece not long after the original discovery.