Azurite with Malachite (circa 1900)

Item Description

A choice cabinet specimen of historic Azurite from the single most important and classic of all USA old copper mines. The particular style is of rare pieces found prior to 1910, and known from museums. While much old Bisbee material is dull due to nature or age and wear, these deep blue Azurite crystals have excellent, high glassy luster and under the right light show the attractive "color play" that you always look for with lustrous Azurites. The Azurites have a bladed habit, with many of the tabular crystals reaching 1.5 cm across. There is some minor bruising and a few contacts, on close inspection, but that is not what the eye sees first and in context of a cabinet specimen of this historic material is quite acceptable. Quality Azurites from Bisbee are highly prized and sought after. Specimens with luster and color such as this are just very rarely seen for sale today. Ex Scott Williams collection with label. Difficult to photo - better in person. Additional info from well known Arizona collector, Les Presmyk: "The Sacramento Shaft (underground mine) is different from the Sacramento Pit. The underground mine operated from the 1890s until 1910 or so. The Sacramento Pit started operations in the 1920s and lasted for about 10 years. This pit was later engulfed by the Lavender Pit, although I believe part of Sacramento Hill still may exist. Since the label says Sacramento Shaft, this seems to indicate that the piece was probably collected prior to 1900." The azurite is associated with minor Malachite and minor Baryte, all on a Limonite matrix. The iridescent Malachite and the radial spray of Baryte add even more to this combination piece on the back, as a bit of interest. This was valued at $8500 and comes from the Kay Robertson Collection (you can read more about her at irocks.com on our blog, and we can provide text and articles on her to the winner, as well). Kay was one of the preeminent mineral collectors of California for decades, and passed away a few years ago.