Azurite and Malachite

Item Description

Originally in the significant collection of Wilhelm Kegel, Director of Mining Operations at Tsumeb from 1924 to 1933, this old-time Azurite is simply a miniature of the classic style of the time for the great Tsumeb Mine. Bladed, lustrous, and deep blue, this habit is one of the primary looks for Tsumeb. There is some wear along the termination and the good luster reveals interesting etching on and around the main crystal, yet this this century-old specimen has done well to remain intact. The bit of secondary Malachite adds mineralogical and visual interest, while the color, luster, and form of this spearpoint Azurite blade simply says 'Tsumeb'. This recognition factor, plus the important provenance, add even more cachet to this miniature's already good aesthetics.