Azurite with Malachite (ex Marvin Rockey estate)

Item Description

If someone mentions Bisbee, Arizona, most people immediately think of the classic specimens of Azurite with Malachite. There was a certain percentage of these specimens that were not collector quality, but it was certainly suitable for lapidary purposes. This resulted in some of the most beautiful polished gemstones of this classic combination that you will find from anywhere in the world. This gem is a classic "Pear" cabochon cut stone from the historic copper producing area featuring a combination of striking midnight blue Azurite with mint to moss green colored Malachite. This stone has excellent patterning and consistency of color throughout. One doesn't honestly see a lot of Bisbee gems on the market, and this is a larger stone, certainly worth picking up if you collect material from the United States. Priced at $512.50 high end retail. This stone is from the estate of former Phoenix area dealer Marvin Rockey. Rockey's Gems was a significant business in the early days of Arizona lapidary material, and he was a prominent dealer and buyer in the Arizona area of local lapidary and carving material from throughout the state, including Bisbee, the Ray Mine, Miami mines, and the Peridot finds on Indian lands in the 1950s-1970s. This stone was was kept back from the retail stock for its quality and beauty, in a tray of special material, and was found in his estate (sold to us only recently). Today, these are not only rarely seen but of a highly desirable old quality, and sought after by collectors and gem / jewelry enthusiasts alike.