This small group is not only the finest known example of these two rare species, it is the only known example. This is the first find of these two species together in history. Lecontite previously had only been found in one location in Honduras with only a few known crystals. All of these known crystals are opaque and white in appearance. This discovery was totally unique. Ammineite, in addition, is a recently discovered species. It was first described in 2008 and has only been found in three locations.
These new specimens were discovered in 2017 in the remains of a dried-up pond. They were found beneath tons of detritus, near the center of the lake bed. This pond has been completely mined out and less than a dozen fine pieces were removed (along with a few dozen smaller lesser quality examples.) When these specimens were first brought to light, they were thought to be bloedite on krohnkite specimens. We were unsure of this analysis and had them independently tested through XRD (X-Ray Diffraction). The test came back as something with 100% purity which is exceedingly rare in nature. The mineralogist testing them suggested these could be synthetic. We knew this was not true as we had video proof of the deposit as well as trusted colleagues who had actually acquired them in Chile. In collaboration with the lab technician, we continued doing research, and with a lot of detective work, and more testing, we discovered not only were these NOT bloedite on krohnkite but species far, far rarer: lecontite on ammineite. The testing of these was very complicated as both species are so rare.
Since we wrote the above information, some changes in our knowledge occurred. Now, it seems, the dry lake where they were discovered may have been an old mine dump. Via satellite imagery, we have found a small pond with a vivid blue color that may have been the actual source.
Ammineite has components of ammonia chloride. Lecontite has components of copper. Both have components of bat guano (bat droppings - hydrous sodium potassium ammonium sulfate.) Pabellon de Pica, where these were found, has a strange environmental zone with a unique microbiology. There is also a copper mine nearby. The copper miners were dumping their waste into a pond, thus creating the historic chemical waste dump that created these crystallized ammonia chloride specimens. It is the only known contact zone in the world where bat guano, water, and copper mineral deposits exist.
We acquired all of the top examples from the discovery. Since that time, no more have been found. The large specimen is the finest known example.