Azurite pseudomorphing to Malachite

Item Description

The famous Morenci Mine is a well-known copper producer in Arizona, best known for its fine Azurite and Malachite specimens. This piece is a lovely and showy small cabinet example featuring a striking cluster of lustrous, azure-blue Azurite blades partially pseudomorphing to chatoyant forest-green Malachite. The piece is nearly a "floater", as there is no matrix, and it's crystallized on the underside. The largest crystal measures 1.3 cm. I can't find any damage with the naked eye. A wonderful combination specimen from this classic Arizona locale with fine sculptural quality. This piece dates back about 50 years and is a good representation of what was coming out of the mine at the time. 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".