Valentinite

specimen number:
2354143

location:
Colavi Mine, Cornelio Saavedra, Potosi, Bolivia

description:
Translucent colorless crystals of valentinite measuring to 0.5 cm in size across the top of a galena matrix. In good condition. The specimen comes with a previous label from the collection of Eric Laskowski.

Located in the Cornelio Saavedra Province of Potosi, Bolivia, the Colavi Mine is part of the broader Machacamarca mining district situated in the eastern Andes cordillera. Geologically, the area features stratabound manto-style ore deposits developed within Cretaceous sandstones and dacitic tuffs, where mineralization is composed primarily of pyrite and cassiterite alongside quartz, siderite, and barite. Mining activity in the region dates back to Spanish colonial times when early operations focused on silver, while later extraction targeted substantial tin and silver reserves during the twentieth century. In addition to commercial mineral extraction, the mine became known among field collectors for producing diverse mineral specimens, including notable tabular crystals of vivianite, lustrous bournonite, and distinctive pseudomorphs found in local rock cavities.

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