Papagoite (rare classic material)

Item Description

A lovely, rare old specimen of Papagoite a copper silicate mineral from the New Cornelia Mine in Ajo, Arizona, the type locality for the species. Papagoite was discovered in 1960, and specimens are rarely seen on the market from this classic old locality. Most people are probably familiar with these minerals as inclusions in Quartz from the Messina Mine in South Africa, but specimens from Ajo are much rarer and more desirable for some collectors. This piece features rich cerulean blue colored micro Papagoite on matrix. We've photographed the piece with a Canon MP-E 65 mm macro lens to better illustrate it. A fine rarity for any fan of secondary copper minerals, Arizona specimens or minerals from the type locality. It should be noted that Papagoite has only been reported from FOUR localities in the world, so it's a remarkably rare mineral.
From the collection of John Whatley, a well-known Georgia collector (1939-2022). John had many interests and hobbies, and favorite hobby was collecting rocks and minerals. He was a member of the Augusta and Aiken, SC Gem and Mineral Society. He also enjoyed collecting arrowheads and he co-authored the book, An Overview of Georgia Projectile Points and Select Cutting Tools. He was a member of the Georgia, South Carolina, and Alabama Archaeology Societies and he also enjoyed volunteering in the Archaeology Department at SRS.
You can read more about John at: https://www.thomaspoteet.com/obituaries/john-whatley