Zeophyllite

specimen number:
2354078

location:
Velke Brezno, Usti nad Labem, Czech Republic

description:
From the type locality for the species, an area 3.5 x 2.0 cm in size is covered with white botryoidal crystallized zeophyllite. In great condition. The specimen comes with numerous previous collection labels, including from Eric Laskowski, Steven Pullman, and A. L. McGuinness.

Velke Brezno, located near Usti nad Labem in the Ceske Stredohori volcanic region of the Czech Republic, is the world type locality for the rare mineral zeophyllite. Geologically, the area consists of Cenozoic alkaline volcanic rocks, such as basalt and phonotephrite, which contain cavities formed by trapped volcanic gases. Zeophyllite formed as a secondary silicate mineral precipitated from low-temperature hydrothermal fluids circulating through these rock cavities during post-volcanic cooling. Discovered and described in the early twentieth century from local basalt quarries and outcrops, the locality has since become famous among mineralogists and private collectors seeking spherical, radiating aggregates of white, pearly platy crystals.

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