Azurite (old classic - Type Locality) James Carter Coll.

Item Description

Azurite specimens from the historic extinct Type Locality Chessy mines are some of the most sought-after examples of the desirable species. This sculptural 360-degree small cabinet has classic form with the tightly intergrown lustrous, blocky crystals with striking variable royal-blue, navy-blue and midnight-blue color hues under bright light. The embedded green malachite at the base is a typical accessory and is the attachment area. Complete all-around and pristine. The ancient Chessy copper mines were closed by 1875 and this is an exceptional old-time 360-degree example of a classic form and species. The faded label on the back of the piece helps to confirm the age and locality. Ex Dr. James Carter Collection. James was a professor of Geology and former Department Chairman at the University of Texas at Dallas for 43 years until he retired in 2008. A true geoscientist, he studied and performed research on a remarkable variety of geological aspects. NASA asked Carter to help create a material that was similar to actual lunar regolith. The lunar regolith simulant, or fake moon dirt, he developed was used by NASA and other researchers for studies in support of future human activities on the moon. He passed away in 2019. We just acquired part of his collection. Read about James at: https://www.utdallas.edu/news/faculty-staff/carter-tribute-2019/. Valued at $1500-2000.