Name/Title
VivianiteEntry/Object ID
2004.1.2Description
Chemical Composition: Fe3^2(PO4)2*8H2O
Crystal System: Monoclinic System
Description: Common Name: Vivianite
Chemistry: Fe3(PO4)2-(H2O)8, Hydrated Iron Phosphate
Class: Phosphates
Group: Vivianite
Location: Found at Huanuni Mine, Huanuni Dalence Province, Oruro Department, Bolivia
Description: This specimen is one of a kind deep dark green crystal with some limonite matrix at the base.
Estimated Value: $75,000
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Color is blue, green and colorless, darkens upon exposure to light.
Luster is vitreous.
Transparency crystals are transparent to translucent.
Crystal System is monoclinic; 2/m
Crystal Habits include radiating clusters of prismatic, acicular, or fiberous crystals. Also earthy and encrusting masses. Often lines the inside of fossil shells.
Cleavage is perfect in one direction.
Fracture is splintery.
Hardness is 1.5 - 2.
Specific Gravity is approximately 2.6+ (average for translucent minerals)
Streak is white or bluish green.
Associated Minerals are siderite, sphalerite, quartz and some secondary ore deposit minerals.
Other Characteristics: thin crystals are flexible.
Best Field Indicators are color and reaction to light, flexible crystals and crystal habit.
Fracture: Lamellar
Hardness: 2 Gypsum
Luster: Pearly
Occurrence: A secondary mineral found in a number of geologic environments: The oxidation zone of metal ore deposits, particularly associated with gossan; in pegmatites containing phosphate minerals; and in clays and glauconitic sediments, and in recent alluvial deposits replacing organic material, peat, lignite, bog iron ores and forest soils.
Rock Color: Light
Rock Type: Sedimentary
Specific Gravity: 2.6
Streak: White
Texture: Crystalline
Variety: Vivianite has vibrant colors and a nice sparkle. Many clusters are found inside of fossil clam or snail shells or attached to fossil animal bone. Vivianite is not a display case type mineral. Specimens should be kept from long exposure to light as this can darken a specimen to near blackness. The reason for the darkening is from the oxidation of the iron from +2 to +3 and this change yeilds a darker specimen. The oxidation is accelerated by exposure to light. Vivianite can be enjoyed and then should be put back in a dark cabinet to preserve its beauty for years to come.Collection
Suomynona Mineral CollectionAcquisition
Accession
2004.1Source or Donor
Suomynona Mineral CollectionAcquisition Method
DonationDimensions
Width
4-3/4 inDepth
1-3/4 inLength
16 inWeight
4.95 ozDimension Notes
Dimension taken at widest pointsLocation
Category
PermanentMoved By
Curtis GardnerDate
May 25, 2023Notes
Added current locationLocation
Container
leftDrawer
bottom tierShelf
north side, north sideWall
centerHallway
Discovery HallBuilding
Crater Rock MuseumCategory
PermanentMoved By
Wendy MondryDate
October 17, 2009Location
Container
right of NW cornerDrawer
north sideShelf
bottom tier, bottom tierWall
centerRoom
Delmar Smith HallBuilding
Crater Rock MuseumCategory
PermanentMoved By
Catherine BoydDate
December 26, 2008Location
Cabinet
Case #56Wall
CenterBuilding
Freida Smith HallCategory
Permanent