Azurite (old classic, 1970s)

Item Description

Tsumeb is and will always be, in our opinion, the classic location for azurite crystals of infinite variety. It is Tsumeb azurite that inspired so many collectors to collect minerals at all, or particularly Tsumeb material. While modern locations have produce a huge quantity of different styles, some - such as this - remain distinctly historic and immediately identified as a Tsumeb classic. This one looks "Tsumeby" to coin a new word. It has a stark, elongated form with a well formed termination, not flat or truncated. It shows complex growth in pocket, where you can see that solutions were fighting to rip molecules off even as the crystal was growing, giving it an etched-looking surface. Unusually, many crystals of this style get transformed to malachite in the process, in whatever strange and violent chemical environment was occuring, but this remained steadfastly azurite. So it looks more like many of the more commonly seen malachites from Tsumeb (after they replace azurite) and yet it resisted replacement and remained blue. This specimen is an old piece from the Ron Romanella collection, and we think he acquired it by the 1970s on a trip to Namibia for his gems business. Valued $2500-3500. Donated by the Romanella family in memory of Ron, one of the great world travelling mineral and gem dealers of the Golden years when minerals were coming up in America. Ron was a mentor and employer to both Dave Wilber and Herb Obodda back in the day.

This specimen is part of the 2023 Dallas Mineral Collecting Symposium benefit auction, with proceeds benefiting Mineralogical Record, Rocks & Minerals, Tucson Gem and Mineral Society, and mindat.org. Thanks to all of our participants!

Billing for this auction will occur on Monday, August 21st, for payment using PayPal or a credit card. Shipping will be billed at cost.