Chrysocolla ps. Gypsum

Item Description

This particular replacement o gypsum by copper mineralization is a superb, aesthetic, and classic pseudomorph from the Ray Mine of Arizona. A striking, upright, tight, divergent cluster of sharp, blue-green pseudomorphs of Chrysocolla after selenite (gypsum) crystals is really the centerpiece of this specimen. The pseudomorph crystals reach 5.5cm which is very large and very rare for these, and even more scarce on any kind of matrix! The main cluster, along with a few other smaller sprays and isolated crystals, is set on a brown-black breccia fragment matrix. Some small side crystals have broken off on these old-time pieces (in pocket - and you can see the interesting, open cross sections, here). The matrix is blanketed in a druse of tiny aggregated spheres of Chrysocolla. Note the interior of the open pseudomorph crystals, which reveal beautiful color zoning from light blue-green to darker teal layers within. The tips of a few of the crystals in the main spray have been compromised but overall it is quite displayable despite small damages. This great pseudomorph from the Ray Mine probably originated from the 2280 Level. Old classics, now rarely seen for sale. From the noted southwest collection of Dennis Mullane, formerly of Bisbee. Mullane was a major dealer of Arizona minerals in the 1960s and 1970s. We purchased his collection circa 2009. Remarkably, this is not repaired, one of the few of this size to survive. It was valued at $2500-3500.