Azurite (circa 1900 classic style)

Item Description

Old Bisbee azurites such as this are immediately recognizable for both the style of a pocket with sparkling crystals and color variations within one specimen, showing in bands and patterns of light blues mixed with dark. They were found in the late 1800s and early 1900s, and one important example (still surviving in NYC 's museum) was exhibited at the 1896 World's Fair as the best and biggest azurite in the world. This is what made for such distinct - and valuable - carving rough material way back when they were mined; and that is also why so few survive to today. They are either in collections, museums, or they were cut for lapidary use because this was the world's most desirable azurite for a long time, and they take a great polish when sliced. 1163 grams! This has the kind of style and look we normally only see today in museums, such as the exhibits at the Smithsonian or the amazing car-sized example from this 1890s find in the American Museum in New York City! Same stuff! This specimen shows so much variety of color and style and texture, and is complete - very interesting to look at all angles. Valued $5-10,000. This was purchased from an old collection being sold at Tucson in 2015.