Azurite (GEM crystals!) with Malachite

Item Description

While Azurite is not rare from the many mines in Lavrion, I will say that crystals of this quality are exceedingly hard to find, especially in eye-visible examples. Typically GEM quality Azurites are only seen at the micro level, but the crystals on this piece are not micros as they measure up to 1.0 cm, and they have formed in a gorgeous "fan"-like development, showing amazingly high luster with intense midnight blue color in reflected light, but when they are backlit, they GLOW with superb transparency and a vivid ultramarine hue. Associated velvety green aggregates of Malachite can be seen in select spots, and the added oxidized matrix on the base of the piece completes this beautiful competition worthy specimens. The piece is in great condition, as the vast majority of the Azurites are in good shape and look beautiful in person. This is not what one typically would expect from Lavrion, or frankly most any other world locality. You might expect this kind of quality from places like Bisbee, Touissit or Tsumeb, but a Christiana Mine Azurite like is much rarer, and notably more desirable. Keep in mind that nearly all of the Azurites from this mine are either opaque, or the gem quality crystals are micros, so a piece like this is about as good as it gets in terms of crystal size and quality in my mind. Don't miss out, we don't have another of this caliber to offer in the auctions right now. For reference, this is a contemporary piece, mined in 2017. I put a lot of value into this one, as we seldom see any of this quality. Ex Christos Spiromitros Collection.