Vivianita
Vivianita is a mineral with formula Fe²⁺₃(PO₄)₂·8H₂O, in the Fosfatos group. This specimen comes from Mina Siglo Veinte, Llallagua, Rafael Bustillo, Potosí, Bolivia and joined the Terrium collection in 2014.
Description
Turned blue, with intergrown crystals.
About Vivianita
Vivianite is a “necromineral” formed by the reaction of decomposing organic matter with water and iron, commonly found in mammoth tusks and ancient human remains. It is highly photosensitive: when exposed to light, its originally almost colourless or greenish tone turns deep blue before eventually degrading.
About the locality
The historic tin-mining district of Catavi and Siglo XX was shaped by brutal military repression against the labor movement, enduring massacres in 1942 and 1967. Following the collapse of tin prices, IMF and World Bank mandates forced the closure of state mines and mass layoffs; many displaced miners migrated to the Chapare, rebuilding the union structures that later propelled Evo Morales to leadership. Today, mining persists only through fragmented, self-managed cooperatives, making the district's classic vivianites increasingly rare and difficult to find.
Technical data
- Catalogue No.
- 0662
- Composition
- Fe²⁺₃(PO₄)₂·8H₂O
- Name
- Vivianita
- Group
- Fosfatos
- Category
- Meritum Persé
- Mine
- Mina Siglo Veinte
- District / Municipality
- Llallagua
- Province
- Rafael Bustillo
- Region
- Potosí
- Country
- Bolivia
- Acquired
- 2014
- Ex-collection
- José Ramon Garcia
- Etymology
- Named in honour of John Henry Vivian (1785–1855).
- Quality
- Notable
- Value trend
- Estable