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Malachite w/ Hyalite Opal (circa late 1800s)
- Burra Burra Mine, Mt Lofty Ranges, South Australia, Australia
- Cabinet, 12.0 x 8.7 x 6.1 cm
- Start Time: 06/07/2012 6:30:00 pm (CDT)
- End Time: 06/14/2012 6:39:08 pm (CDT)
- Auction Closed
Item Description
A very unusual combination piece from this old South Australia mine, opened in 1845. Botryoidal hyalite opal is perched atop the massive malachite matrix, with some veins of azurite on the back. Much of the front of the 3-dimensional piece is covered with velvety crystals of malachite pseudomorphs after azurite blades. The hyalite opal has only modest fluorescence, unlike many localities. A very old specimen for this locality! It comes with a handwritten German label, at least 100 years old. Valued at $900.