Vivianite

specimen number:
8311477

location:
Morococola Mine, Oruro, Bolivia

description:
Mostly gemmy lustrous green double terminated crystal of vivianite on a brecciated matrix. In good condition.

The Morococola Mine, located in the Hayllatiri District of the Dalence Province within the Oruro Department of Bolivia, is a significant tin and silver deposit situated in the Eastern Cordillera. Geologically, it is a hydrothermal vein system hosted within Silurian sedimentary rocks, such as quartzites and shales, which were mineralized following the intrusion of the Morococola Ignimbrite during the Miocene epoch. The mine is world-famous for its exceptional specimens of vivianite, which occur as large, transparent, prismatic crystals that are often a deep emerald-green to indigo-blue color. Historically, mining and quarrying at the site have focused on the extraction of cassiterite and silver ores, with formal industrial operations gaining prominence in the early 20th century. The mine was traditionally operated by the Corporacion Minera de Bolivia (COMIBOL) and has seen various periods of activity and closure due to fluctuating metal prices and local labor movements. As of 2026, the Morococola Mine remains a key reference locality for high-quality phosphate minerals and continues to be an active part of Bolivia's historic tin-mining landscape.

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