Azurite with Cerussite

Item Description

Even for Tsumeb's most common and famous species, sometimes we get a surprise in Azurite! This is a vertical, elegant, dazzling cluster of elongated, prismatic Azurite crystals from the famous Tsumeb mine, thought to be from workings in the 1920s according to former owners the Sussmans; and a comparable documented piece from the Conklin collection. The excellent luster is well above average for Tsumeb, and the internal blue fire, which is such a highly-desired trait for Azurites but less common here, is prevalent throughout most of the crystals. This combination of luster and color makes a piece like this even more rare. Subparallel growth between the crystals give the cluster a curving, rotational look, which adds yet another good visual element to this small-cabinet piece. There is also a nicely formed, gemmy, 6 mm crystal of what we believe to be a Cerussite; that sits midway on the cluster, and provides nice contrast with the violet-blue. Azurite is one of Tsumeb's most famous species, and this choice, large cluster well-represents the species and the mine. Even better in person, by far, for the style and flash appeal. Formerly a display specimen, one of 100 pieces, in the first Sussman Tsumeb collection (in Chicago), sold in 2003.