Chrysocolla pseudomorph after Malachite after Azurite

Item Description

This piece dates to the mid 2010, when these attractive specimens from the Lupoto Mine made a big splash on the market. They quickly disappeared after they were discovered, and appear to have been a one-time find. They are unique in the sense that I can't remember seen this exact series of replacements from any other locality, and they formed showy and fine quality display specimen. Initially these specimens (most presumably) began as prismatic / bladed crystals of Azurite which pseudomorphed into Malachite, but what makes them really interesting is that a SECOND pseudomorph phase took place in the form of a deposition of brilliant turquoise blue colored Chrysocolla. Typically we think of Chrysocolla as being non-crystallized / massive, but the Chrysocolla on this specimen has actually formed in tiny acicular CRYSTALS. Under magnification, they are really a sight to see, as one rarely has the opportunity to observe crystallized Chrysocolla. This particular specimen is in wonderful condition compared to the majority of the pieces we've seen, as the majority of crystals are undamaged. The largest crystal measures a full 1.7 cm, which is significant for the material as most crystals were not this large. You can see from the photos/video that this is an eye-catching and aesthetic and it displays wonderfully. A really attractive and good quality specimen of this unique elusive material. If you're a collector of copper minerals, secondary ore minerals or pseudomorphs, this one is certainly worth picking up. From the collection of Carl Acosta.