Iowaite with Valleriite, Calcite, Chondrodite
specimen number:
2354075
location:
Palabora Mine, Phalaborwa, Limpopo, South Africa
description: The Palabora Mine, located near Phalaborwa in the Limpopo Province of South Africa, is situated within the Phalaborwa Igneous Complex, a massive alkaline complex and carbonatite pipe formed roughly two billion years ago. Major mining operations began in the 1950s to extract copper, phosphate, and magnetite from this rich ore body, making it one of South Africa's most significant open-pit and underground mining operations. During routine mining, secondary alteration zones within serpentinized pyroxenites produced rare mineral specimens, including iowaite. Highly valued by mineral collectors, Palabora iowaite forms distinct tabular, bluish-green to deep green crystals that represent some of the finest known examples of this rare magnesium iron hydroxide species.
Exceptionally rich and fine lustrous olive green crystals of iowaite measuring to 0.3 cm in size scattered across the top of this matrix of crystallized calcite. Minor valleriite as dark brown spherical crystal groupings to 0.4 cm are present as well. Tiny chondrodite crystals are present as well. In great condition, the specimen comes with two previous collection labels, one from Eric Laskowski, and one from J. P. Gliddon. I believe that the latter person was a geologist employed at this mine. Outstanding for this rare mineral.
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