Rosasite ps. Malachite ps. Azurite

Item Description

An exemplary "double replacement pseudomorph" of rosasite after malachite after azurite. The original habit of the sharply terminated, 3.5 cm, tabular azurite is well preserved, and is adorably set in the sculptural matrix covered with blue-green rosasite botryoids. Contacting on the side of the broken pseudo shows the sparkly crystalline malachite core, surrounded by a banded layer of the rosasite replacement. For both overall aesthetics and mineralogical interest, this pseudomorph specimen is outstanding. The trivial bit of scuffing to the pseudo is noted, but is certainly a modest detraction to this very fine piece. It is a rare thing, and found only in a few pockets at Tsumeb in the distant past. Valued at $3000.