Cerussite on Malachite with Azurite

Item Description

Known around the world, the Touissit-Bou Beker District is one of the finest mineral-producing areas in Morocco, yet it wasn't until 2010 that Cerussite/Malachite combinations were found there. Flashy and delicate, this small-cabinet piece features elongated, narrow, mostly tabular Cerussite crystals with pearly luster growing on rolling hills of tufted, acicular Malachite. The Cerussites range up to about 1.4 cm in length, which makes them stand out easily. Likewise, it is a visual delight to see how well-defined the individual tufts of Malachite are within each cluster, rather than being intergrown and 'lost'. There is even some sparkly, micro Azurites that add color and mineral interest. Unsurprisingly, a few of the fragile Cerussites are missing, yet they are mostly complete and the beautiful aesthetic of the off-white Cerussites set against the shimmering, forest-green Malachite more than wins the day. From the collection of Kurt Hefendehl, a well-known German collector all over Europe with worldwide contacts to dealers and collectors. He started collecting seriously at the age of 14 and his great and varied worldwide collection reached over 6000 pieces. This is a gorgeous specimen, very unique combination!