Azurite with Chalcoalumite (rare association) (classic material)

Item Description

A fine and impressive big specimen from Bisbee, Arizona, one of the greatest copper-producing localities in the US. This specimen is from the Holbrook Mine in the Copper Queen Mine and features 3 secondary copper minerals in the form of botryoidal royal blue Azurite which is partially coated by pale sea-green Chalcoalumite, and associated with a tiny bit of associated green Malachite. Some of the Azurites show beautiful banding with various shades of blue (some of which are partially altering to minor amounts of Malachite). A super colorful piece from this historic mine that "flows" in a way minerals seldom do, and has a fascinating surface that many colors and textural contrasts. While neither Azurite nor Chalcoalumite are exceptionally rare minerals, it's quite difficult to find them together like this from Bisbee, where both species are equally represented on the same specimen. Incredibly rare on the market in this size and quality, and the piece certainly dates back around 100 years or so.
Valued $7,500.
The piece comes from the collection of Dave Stoudt, with a note that explains it was found in the Holbrook Mine (and Holbrook extension of the Sacramento Pit) in Bisbee according to Dick Graeme, who was the foremost expert on minerals from Bisbee.