Azurite (rare circa 1800s, Los Angeles, CA!)

Item Description

Ultra-rare, perhaps unique, OLD azurite from ancient Spanish diggings near Los Angeles, California! Lustrous royal-blue and navy-blue microcrystals are festooned on the small cabinet matrix wedge. The label copy from respected California dealer Scott Williams of Minerals Unlimited indicates the specimen was recovered from an OLD Spanish mine, long since covered near Hollywood & Vine. They were the dealer of choice in urban LA in the 1940s through 1970s and Scott was known for his superb collection and knowledge of USA classics. As he reported to the people who bought these at the time, they were found by a worker in street diggings at the now-famous intersection, during construction work. At the site, they found traces of old Spanish smelting equipment and mining tools. If truly from a nearby Spanish-era  mine, the mine dates to prior to 1821, when New Spain gained its independence from the Spanish Empire and became part of Mexico. California became US territory in 1847 and the 31st State in 1850. An ultimate, very old and showy urban LA specimen from a long extinct locale. Value such a unique urban California specimen?