Purchased with funds from the Tiffany & Co. Foundation in 2008.
Hydroxylherderite is a rare calcium beryllium phosphate mineral that typically occurs in pegmatite deposits as small, unimpressive crystals. This magnificent gemstone from Brazil is a major addition to the National Gem Collection for several reasons. Its large size and beautiful green color make it perhaps the largest and finest known gem hydroxylherderite. It is a significant upgrade in that the only faceted hydroxylherderite gems previously in the collection weighed 5.9 and 1.2 carats. The mineral hydroxylherderite was first discovered in Germany; other localities include Brazil, Russia and the United States. This gem was acquired with endowment funds from the Tiffany & Co. Foundation.
