Azurite (very old Tsumeb style)

Item Description

This item is part of a special benefit auction for the Rice Museum of Rocks & Minerals (ricenorthwestmuseum.org). Items are either deaccessions from the museum's collection or were donated by generous supporters listed below.

Auction open April 1, 2021 through April 17, 2021.

Billing for this auction will occur on Monday, April 19, for payment using PayPal or credit card. Shipping will be billed at cost, or please contact brandy@mineralauctions.com if you'd like to plan on picking up items at future shows or during a stop through Dallas.

Azurite is one of the most famous Tsumeb mineral species and this is such an impressive and aesthetic small cabinet piece. There are over a dozen royal blue prismatic crystals that comprise this very three-dimensional cluster and several of them grouped in a almost a radial pinwheel at the center of the piece and the remaining crystals are randomly oriented about the spoked cluster. The Azurite crystals are well formed with sharp edges and a luster that varies from vitreous to satin-like. The color is also somewhat variable with the more lustrous crystals displaying the typical rich, Azurite-blue color and those with more of a satin luster are two-toned dominated by dark blue with bright, medium blue accents along the edges. The majority of the crystals are terminated and some are contacted by growing to the other side of the pocket largely at the left side of the piece and then on the back. Clusters of green Malachite composed of tiny crystals adorn the Azurites locally. There is a 1 cm cluster on the right side of the piece and then several smaller ones near the bottom and at the top making for great contrast. A smattering of bright green-yellow Duftite can be found on the back. A superb small cabinet specimen with a style to it that makes it stand out. This is a style we have not seen in modern times, and dates to the first oxide level, of the early 1900s exploration areas.