Azurite on Chrysocolla and Malachite

Item Description

Here we have a classic Azurite specimen from the Morenci Mine, which features lustrous, very sharp, well-formed, rich blue colored crystals measuring up to 1.6 cm sitting atop a matrix featuring a layer of pale blue Chrysocolla and green Malachite on host rock matrix. This mine has produced some of the most recognized and finest quality Azurites from any locality in Arizona. This piece dates back about 50 years and is a good representation of what was coming out of the mine at the time. The piece is in great shape, as the Azurites are in fine condition, with only a few small blemishes that I can see with a loupe. Valued $1,800. From the collection of Colorado mining legend, Dave Bergman. Dave is now retired, but among other things, he was the foreman and primary person in charge of recovering specimens at the famous Sweet Home Mine near Alma, Colorado during the late 1970s. He is also the maternal grandfather of Brian Kosnar. See Dave's photo mining at the Sweet Home on page 58 of Peter Bancroft's book "Gem and Crystal Treasures".