Malachite pseudomorph after Azurite

Item Description

This item is part of a special benefit auction for the Rice Museum of Rocks & Minerals (ricenorthwestmuseum.org). Items are either deaccessions from the museum's collection or were donated by generous supporters listed below.

Auction open April 1, 2021 through April 17, 2021.

Billing for this auction will occur on Monday, April 19, for payment using PayPal or credit card. Shipping will be billed at cost, or please contact brandy@mineralauctions.com if you'd like to plan on picking up items at future shows or during a stop through Dallas.

This piece is a very important example of Malachite completely pseudomorphing Azurite from the Morenci Mine, for its quality and aesthetics. A large, robust cluster of numerous, former Azurite crystals have been completely replaced by variegated, two-toned green Malachite that is velvety emerald green in most areas and a teal green-blue in others. These Azurite pseudomorphs are tightly clustered and average around a centimeter in length with the big, composite cluster measuring 8 cm across (and it is very three-dimensional and impressive in person, though it may look flat in a photo!). The cluster is situated on a plate of matrix that protrudes from the right side of the piece, and the periphery of the underside reveals vestiges of Azurite crystals that have been mostly replaced. A uniquely attractive and interesting Morenci piece. I cannot say that we have seen one quite like it.