Azurite (''rose'' groups) (1980s) (ex Richard Kosnar Collection)

Item Description

This piece is not from contemporary mining, but actually dates back to the early 1980s. These specimens were imported by Richard Kosnar (the namesake for the phosphate species Kosnarite) and were some of the first examples of this material to have reached the US market. The distinctive habit and impressive size of the specimens makes them Chinese "classics" and icons in the mineral world. One simply does not see Azurites of this magnitude from any world locality. Do not let the quantity of Azurites from China dull your appreciation of a specimen such as this, as it predates virtually everything currently on the market. This piece is a fine quality, well-formed, deep blue color, fairly lustrous Azurite "rose" cluster comprising dozens if not hundreds of sharp, tabular layered crystal in almost "fan"-like arrangements associated with beautiful green accenting Malachite and no matrix. The piece is almost complete on every side, so it's a near "floater" with only one real point of attachment on the bottom / back of the piece. Fine quality and very showy. This piece was valued at $3,800 in the inventory for the size, quality, aesthetics and the fact that it's 40 years old. Virtually nothing similar from this mine can be found on the market today to compare to this piece.