SVP36 Wavellite
Siglo XX mine, Llallagua, Bustillo Province, Potosi Department, Bolivia.
12.5x 9.0x 4.0 cm
$225

A mess of phosphates on a quartz plate from Llallagua-- the label indicates Vauxite, but I am fiarly sure it is wavellite (the crystals are not exactly blue) *possibly* associated with minor vauxite, or some other member of the vauxite group.  There is also some definite wavellite on the back (as the labels note).

Either way, it's a cool piece for lovers of Bolivian minerals, and it has a good provenance (which I guess is a little ironinc considering the ambiguity of what exactly is on the piece.) It has a "Collection Gilbert Gauthier" label (as a dealer, he was most known for his African material, so I'm not sure if this was *actually* from his collection, or from his dealer stock.)  There is also a typed rectangular label, with a handwritten note on the bottom stating "Richard Bideaux Collection."

So, you have a very cool, though slightly ambiguous rock with two mineralogically important people attached to it.   And it's a nice example of much older Llallagua material.







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