Azurite with Malachite (classic old locality!), Ex. Wolli Wendel

Item Description

This specimen is part of the 2020 Dallas Mineral Collecting Symposium benefit auction, with proceeds benefiting Mineralogical Record, Rocks & Minerals, Tucson Gem and Mineral Society, and mindat.org. Thanks to all of our participants!

Billing for this auction will occur on Monday, August 24, 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.

Click here for a video of this specimen!

This is a stunning azurite specimen from any locality, but all the more amazing because these gem transparent blue blades come from the ancient mines at Laurium. It is a well trimmed, displayable small cabinet piece with a cluster of azurite atop. The edges, and crystals at the edges, have some damage, it is true; but the core of the cluster is intact and there are a majority of pristine crystals in the protected pocket to the middle of the piece. A bit of malachite at the bottom provides color contrast, too, as a bonus! These razor-thin crystals (approx 1mm) are windowpane clear with minimal backlighting needed. This is a rich cluster, overall. Formerly in the private collection of Greek minerals of Wolli and Karin Wendel, sold off approximately ten years ago. If pristine, it might have actually been worth the princely sum asked by the previous dealer on the attached label. However, these specimens are almost never pristine - and even with damage at the edges, it is still beautiful and valued $1500-2000. Recently deaccessed from a private East Coast collection to Jasun McAvoy, who has donated it for this auction. Photo by Jingnan Zhang.
Donated by Jasun and Mandy McAvoy (Mineralman999 on Ebay)