large Azurite Rose

Item Description

This is a classic and very large Arizona Azurite rose from the major finds here of the 1980s but in unusually large size; and it's so well formed that it looks intricately carved! This stunning small cabinet piece is composed of a multitude of radiating bladed crystals seen on edge that diverge mostly from a central point. The piece has an overall elliptical shape and the color is a saturated, deep royal blue. All of the component crystals have relatively sharp edges and faces with incredible luster (a secondary microscopic coating of azurite, it seems), so much so the entire piece sparkles. A moderately intense light source on the edges of the piece reveals its translucent, royal blue color. This color and shape is shocking because, when you see it, you'd swear that it is the typical "Bisbee Rose" style famous for 100+ years and in every major museum, but in few enough collector's hands today. However, we know that Ruben Avila, the previous owner, bought it out of one of his partnerships with dealers working in Morenci, and collected heavily in the 1980s-1990s. It is therefore not a Bisbee Rose, but it is a really really great Morenci, Azurite Rose! Perhaps, that is even more rare in this size and quality. This piece is so good that it could be displayed in a couple of different orientation and there is really no obvious point of contact making it a true floater! A special and significant specimen from the historic Detroit Shaft at Morenci. Irreplaceable today, as so few exist to be had in this size and quality. This is from the private collection of longtime but somewhat reclusive mineral dealer Ruben Avila of Mexico City, which we recently purchased (stay tuned for more during summer of 2023). Ruben was a partner to various Arizona dealers including Mike New of Top Gem, in his heyday of the 1980s-modern times. Ruben had a large collection rich with azurite and Arizona and Mexico classics from those decades. This is the largest of a number of azurite roses he had acquired at the time they came out. Valued $6000-7500.