Malachite ps. Azurite

Item Description

A sharp example of these classic old Malachite after Azurite from South Australia, a classic of Australian minerals that is seldom seen for sale on the market. The form is preserved dramatically and really quite amazing, as one side is a sharp, clearly defined "rhomb" (you can see why they thought it was a replacement of calcite from some angles), while the opposite side has fine, intergrown faces that resemble an Azurite rosette. Certainly, Malachite after azurite pseudos are well-known from Sir Dominick, so although both the rhombic form and the Smithsonian label both say 'Calcite' - we believe this is clearly after azurite and not calcite. Likely mined in the late 1860's or just after, this is a historic locality and a historic style! Formerly in the famous collections of Washington Roebling and the Smithsonian, then to Kay Robertson and later, Alex Venzke. Valued $1000-1200.