Azurite and Malachite 'pocket'

Item Description

One of the modern "under the radar" Azurite localities came, briefly, from the Sepon Mines in Laos. These recent gold/copper mines started operation in the early 2000's with pieces slowly trickling out over the last decade. Limited collector grade high quality specimens have been seen on the open market. This three dimensional highly aesthetic specimen is of a protected open pocket cut out of the host rock. The pocket is covered with sparkling, lustrous, well formed crystals of gemmy, vividly intense blue colored Azurites with individual crystals measuring up to 1.1 cm. There is a small amount of contrasting fibrous green malachite as well as botryoidal goethite throughout the pocket. Upon closer inspection, mostly with a loupe, many of the fiery blue Azurite crystals appear to have a thin Azurite layer over an existing earlier stage of Malachite pseudomorph of Azurite. Very common feature for the locale. The piece is in near-pristine condition with only miniscule bruising along the Azurite edge that does not impact the specimen. The ironstone and goethite confirms the proper matrix from the Sepon Mine with the piece more than likely coming from the Khanong open pit which completed operations in 2015. The large vug lined with sharp Azurite crystals displaying a scintillating electric-blue color and an amazing "wet" luster, combined with the primary Malachite sprays makes this a significant high quality specimen from the locale. Whether you collect copper minerals, azurites, or worldwide minerals don't miss out on adding this great Laos Azurite to your collection! Ex. Paul Zerfass Collection #135. Valued $2500-plus.