Phosphophyllite is a hydrated zinc phosphate. It is one of the most rare gemstones in the world and is therefore highly prized by collectors. Phosphophyllite ranges in color from colorless to a deep bluish green.
The very definite, deep bluish green specimen of phosphophyllite are the most highly prized. Crystals are usually prismatic, have a vitreous luster, and rate a 3.5 on the hardness scale.
Phosphophyllite is rarely cut, as it is quite fragile and brittle. When large crystals are found, they are not broken up, as their fragility makes it too risky a task and their value is way too high to take this gamble.
The finest specimen of phosphophyllite, and the only specimen able to be cut and faceted, are found in Bolivia. Other localities of the stone are Germany and New Hampshire.
