Chrysocolla pseudomorph after Malachite after Azurite

Item Description

This is a rather aesthetic display piece of distinctive material from the Lupoto Mine. These wonderful pseudomorphs came from a single discovery which made a big splash on the market. They quickly disappeared as not many pieces were found, which is a shame because their allure lies in the fact that they feature multiple generations of pseudomorphism. They are honestly 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 upper portion of the piece is actually contacted, but this was somewhat fortuitous as you can see the previous generation of Malachite after Azurite exposed beneath the Chrysocolla. 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.