Dufrenite, a calcium iron phosphate hydroxide hydrate, is one of the rarities from Phoenix United mine in Cornwall discovered in the Stowe section of the mine during the second half of the 19th century. This very rich small cabinet specimen features two botryoidal aggregates (the largest 9 mm in diameter) of black to very dark green Dufrenite within iron-rich Quartz veined matrix. However, this is just one part of the Dufrenite present, with extensive veinlets infilled with radiating acicular masses of Dufrenite cutting through large parts of the specimen. These radiating aggregates display the classic deep green colour and velvety lustre of the very best Dufrenite. The specimen is accompanied by an old German handwritten label that uses the German name "Kraurit" for Dufrenite. A fine old-time Cornish classic rarely seen in this quality.
