Vivianite Specimens

Description

Vivianite specimens are known for their unique color and formation. They are soft and there is an ongoing debate about sunlight oxidization that may cause the colors to change (see below). Vivianite is also known to be found growing among human bones. If you’d like to read more about that, click here. No matter how you’ve come to know of this lovely stone, these pieces are a great addition to any collection. We have 3 incredible pieces for you to consider.

Options & Sizes:

• Blade- Approx. 2.00″, 4.40g
• Large- Approx. 1.875″, 9.30g
• Woodchip- Approx. 1.625″, 3.80g

Creep It Real: Some Facts About Vivianite Deposits in Bones

Vivianite is a mineral that is sometimes found in association with bones or fossils. In certain geological settings, vivianite can form as a secondary mineral deposit on bones, giving them a bluish-green color. This association with bones has led to vivianite being sometimes referred to as “bone phosphate” or “blue iron earth.”

Vivianite specimens are typically not sourced from bones on the common market. They are usually found in mineral deposits and are collected for scientific study or as collectible specimens. It is important to ensure that any vivianite specimens you come across are ethically sourced and legally obtained.

A Special Note About Vivianite (from above):

“When fresh the mineral may be colourless, or nearly so, and, once exposed, will oxidize with the Fe2+ converting to Fe3+ with a concurrent darkening to dark blue or blue-green – See Alfredo Petrov’s article on Vivianite colour change. Exposure to light will ultimately allow this darkening to continue until the specimen is almost black and opaque. This exposure is irreversible and inevitable with any vivianite sample left in the light. While reaction in some samples may be slower than others, there is no such thing as a “stable vivianite”.

More recent research on pure synthetic vivianite shows that the commonly held belief that vivianite is light sensitive may not be true after all. See: Winnie Liu, Zheming Wang, Mark Bowden, Odeta Qafoku, Kevin M. Rosso (2024) Vivianite oxidation is not photocatalyzed. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, Volume 373, 15 May 2024, Pages 109-121. – https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2024.03.031″

~The quoted segments above are from this link.

These vivianite specimens are WYSIWYGs.

For those who are unfamiliar with WYSIWYG, it means: What You See Is What You Get. Pieces identified as WYSIWYGs are not a random pull of stones that are similar to the one(s) pictured. Instead, you receive the actual piece that is pictured.

If you love specimens, we have many to show you. Take a look!

Please Note:

1. This is a fragile specimen. Do not submerse in water. Handle with care.
2. Sizes and weights are approximate. Dimension sizes can vary based on the way the rock is formed. We hand measure our pieces on the longest side. Please see the pictures in the listing.
3. The colors may vary due to monitor and lighting differences.
4. Please use your own judgment when allowing children to handle.
5. Not suggested for use in animal habitats or fish tanks.