Characteristics of Phosphophyllite:

Chemical Name: Hydrated zinc iron phosphate

Formula: Zn 2Fe(PO 4) 2·4H2O 

Colors: Colorless to deep bluish-green

Structure: Monoclinic

Hardness: 3-3.5

Specific Gravity: 3.08-3.10

Refractive Index: 1.59-1.62

Lustre: Vitreous

Streak: White

Locations: USA, Australia, Germany, Bolivia

What is Phosphophyllite? 

Phosphophyllite is a rare mineral and an even rarer gemstone, highly prized by museum and collectors. Crystals with a delicate bluish-green color are the most sought after. It is rare as a gem partly because crystals that are large enough to cut are also too valuable to be broken. The finest crystals, and the ones that provided most of the existing faceted stones, come form the deposit at Potosi Bolivia which is now exhausted.