Woodwardite w/ Azurite

Item Description

Dramatically sculptural "waves" of powder-blue woodardite roll across this striking, colorful large specimen from a REALLY SURPRISING 2020 find in China of this unusual aluminum species. While not uncommon in micros, nice large display sized specimens of this species are very rare and also happen to be uniquely beautiful in a surreal, artsy style. The layered specimen is strikingly accented with veins of rich, vivid royal-blue translucent azurite and some of the "waves" also host azurite within their folds. Vugs on the back side host botryoidal woodwardite. Woodwardite is rare hydrated Cu-Al sulfate secondary mineral found in the oxidized zone of copper deposits, but quite rare as aesthetic specimens. The blue azurite really accents the waves. This is really visually fascinating material, looking more organic than mineral! The Type Locality and most prolific for the species is in Cornwall, England, with specimens also coming from Italy, Greece and Arizona. This is a SIGNIFICANT RARITY, from a strange locality which has given us many unusual minerals and combinations. It was a small new find from March of 2020. Totally unlike anything else. Certainly a colorful and fantasy-like combination. We have not seen more in several years now. Specimens like this were selling for $1500-2000 retail at the time they came out. This is one of the last two large and good specimens we have from the lot we obtained, which was only a few dozen pieces to start with.