Malachite ps. Azurite

Item Description

Outstanding pseudomorph of Malachite after Azurite from Kerrouchene, Morocco, where mostly we see only small crystals and this is a relative giant! The sequence of Azurite turning into Malachite is classic and found in many localities, but the characteristics of this pseudo go beyond the norm. First off, the Malachite pseudos are razor sharp, seemingly preserving every edge right down to the molecule. No fuzzy Malachite here! Following that, the surfaces are relatively smooth and lustrous, also unusual and very attractive in its own way. On the exposed ends of the crystals, you can clearly see the two generations of pseudomorphing, with the outer layer being a hard, crystalline, and lustrous shell. The smaller crystals help create a very appealing 'scaffolding' geometry, and there is a small amount of intensely-blue Azurite crystals that provide stark contrasts, and remind us of what once was. Excellent and interesting aesthetics highlight this very architectural specimen. Again, it is HUGE for the locality and important for any collector of the species, or of Moroccan material, as was Dr. Pohl.