Vivianite

specimen number:
2072297

location:
Huanuni Mine, Potosi, Bolivia

description:

Attractive translucent bluish green crystals of vivianite to almost 2.0 cm in size across matrix. In good condition.

The Huanuni Mine, situated in the Oruro Department of Bolivia, is located within the world-class tin-bearing belt of the Eastern Cordillera. Geologically, the deposit consists of a complex network of hydrothermal veins hosted within Paleozoic sedimentary rocks, primarily shales and sandstones, which were mineralized during the Miocene epoch. While the mine is primarily an industrial producer of cassiterite (tin ore), it is internationally famous for its exceptional specimens of vivianite, a hydrated iron phosphate mineral. The vivianite from this locality typically occurs as large, transparent, deep emerald-green to indigo-blue prismatic crystals that often form in pockets within the oxidized zones of the tin veins. Historically, mining in the Huanuni area began during the colonial era but saw massive industrial expansion in the late 19th and early 20th centuries under the ownership of Simon Iturri Patino. Following the Bolivian National Revolution in 1952, the mine was nationalized and is currently operated by the state-owned Empresa Minera Huanuni. As of 2026, it remains one of the largest and most productive underground tin mines in the world, consistently providing high-quality mineral specimens to the global market alongside its significant industrial output.

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