Malachite ps. Azurite (Panczner Coll.) - classic locale

Item Description

A fine miniature of this velvety style of malachite from a famous, old Arizona copper mine, the Cornelia Mine in Ajo (most specimens simply say Ajo without the mine name). This particular style of velvety covering, sharp almost rhombohedral-looking crystals, and size, are really recognizable of material found here (primarily prior to 1970). They turn up in old collections. This is a fine piece for the size, in good condition, and 360 degrees around as it sits horizontally. It is from the important Southwest-focus collection of miniatures and small cabinet specimens of Bill Panczner, longtime collector, author and curator. He is author of the still-definitive book MINERALS OF MEXICO (1987). Valued $900-1200. According to WIKIPEDIA: "The New Cornelia mine is a currently inactive open-pit copper mine in Pima County, Arizona, United States. It was the only productive mine in the Ajo mining district, and is located just outside the town of Ajo, which was built as a company town to serve the New Cornelia mines. The roughly circular pit is one and a half miles across at its widest point, and 1,100 feet deep at the center. The mine was shut down in 1983 due to low copper prices "